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  • Emancipating 'First-Up' Run for Queen

    Wednesday, 31st March 2021

    Champion WA mare Arcadia Queen (Pierro-Arcadia Queen, by Redoute's Choice) will effectively be embarking on the equivalent of a first-up run when she tackles the Gr2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday. That's the opinion of owner-breeder Bob Peters, who told thewest.com.au, that the 6 weeks the mare has had between runs would see her a very fresh horse for the weekend's feature. Currently the leader of the Australian Black Type Premiership WFA category, the Pierro (Lonhro) mare was unfortunately scratched from the $5 million All Star Mile, when favourite, only to have heavy torrential rain in Sydney further derail her autumn campaign. As an owner, Peters is nothing if not a player of the long game, and while he will have obvious regrets he'll just be pleased Arcadia Queen is sound and healthy ahead of the weekend. Following a much-needed gallop at Bendigo between races on Saturday, Peters said, "She had a good hit-out and it was good for her… It's been a long time since her last race." James McDonald will take the reigns on Saturday in what is likely to be her penultimate run ahead of the Gr1 Coolmore Legacy (1600m), and then – potentially – another spring campaign.