Trainer Trevor Andrews believes Luana Miss has improved since her perfect first up run as the quality filly prepares to take another big step towards the Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Luana Miss has created a big impression in her two starts and remained undefeated after coming back and inflicting the first loss on hot favourite, Yes Queen, in the Listed Supremacy Stakes (1000m).
A $110,000 purchase, Luana Miss unleashed a strong burst to win by just under a length and a strong gallop on Tuesday has added to Andrews’ confidence before her next challenge in the Gimcrack Stakes (1100m).
“I’m very happy with her, she had a pleasing gallop yesterday (Tuesday),” Andrews said on TABradio.
“She pulled up good from that and is in good order.
“She did the same piece of work as previously and her improvement was a lot better.
“That’s what you look for in them and she’s in good order.
“She’s going to take improvement with that one run under her belt.
“I hadn’t gone into it fully wound up; she only went into it off a short trial, I kept her work short.
“She shows real good ability and I’m happy to say she is ready to go.
“She shows good signs, so may it continue.”
If there's a minor concern for Andrews, it's a wide barrier draw and stiffer opposition.
God's Rapture is a worthy addition to the race after an impressive win last start and She's Hot ran second on debut.
Luana Miss has drawn barrier 11 and will be ridden by Shaun O’Donnell.
Yes Queen, with William Pike in the saddle, jumps from gate 13.
Yes Queen stuck on well in the Supremacy after being challenged for the lead.
Luna Miss sat behind and kicked strongly in the straight.
“She’s drawn a bit tricky, as is Yes Queen," Andrews said
“It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
“With even luck she should run really well.”
As their finishing positions in the Supremacy Stakes, Luana Miss and Yes Queen are one-two in Karrakatta Plate future markets.
Luana Miss is $4.20 and Yes Queen $4.40.
Talkanco, a fast finishing third behind the pair in the Supremacy Stakes, is next at $4.80.
God's Rapture and She's Hot share the next line at $7.
Julio Santarelli