Sepoy Dominates Slipper Market

Sunday, 27 February 2011 07:15

Sepoy might be the raging Golden Slipper favourite but trainer Neville Layt is more than happy with Karuta Queen who put on a devastating display in a Canberra barrier trial on Sunday.

The Magic Millions winner scooted over 900 metres in 51.34 seconds to beat her nearest rival by 13-1/2 lengths.

Layt said he watched Sepoy romp away with Saturday's Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield but was keeping his focus on the filly.

"He is a brilliant horse but I'm not too concerned," Layt said.

"I'm concentrating on my filly.

"She can only beat what's put in front of her and so far she's done that.

"The way she puts herself in the race and the times she runs tell the story."

Like Sepoy, Karuta Queen's record stands at four from four while the Clarry Conners-trained Satin Shoes took her tally to three from three with victory in Saturday's Silver Slipper at Rosehill.

In a David and Goliath scenario, Sepoy is owned by Sheikh Mohammed and prepared by Sydney's premier trainer Peter Snowden while Layt puts the polish on a small team at Queanbeyan.

By Sunday, Sepoy had been crunched into $2.90 with TAB Sportsbet for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper on April 2 with Karuta Queen and Satin Shoes next at $9.

The Sweet Embrace Stakes at Warwick Farm on March 12 is the likely goal for Karuta Queen which could set up a clash with Satin Shoes.

Layt said he would also nominate Karuta Queen for the Black Opal Stakes at Canberra on March 13 but was being swayed away from that race because of the set weights and penalties that apply.

Snowden said Sepoy would travel to Darley's farm at Agnes Banks on the outskirts of Sydney on Monday and have a few days of paddock life before getting ready for the Slipper.

He said it was not certain whether Sepoy would have another start before the Golden Slipper and he would let the dust settle on his Blue Diamond win.