News Article

Slater eyes Devonport Cup with quality mare

11 / 03 / 2012 Article by: Editor
Queen Of Fore (Ricky Duggan) storms down the outside to win the Joesashyguy Pace final in Hobart
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TALENTED six-year-old mare Queen Of Fire will line up for her toughest assignment when she takes on some of the state’s best free-for-all horses in this Sunday night’s Devonport Cup.

Queen Of Fire produced one of her best wins at Tattersall’s Park in Hobart last Sunday night when she came from near last to win the Joesashyguy Pace final over 1609 metres.

The Zeke Slater-trained mare had to produce a herculean effort to win the race.

Ace driver Ricky Duggan had her settled near the rear from his near outside back-row draw while the odds-on favourite Benediction was forced to utilise her inside front-row draw and lead.

Benediction set a solid pace but when called on by her driver Gareth Rattray for the supreme effort she was unable to sprint clear and she was overhauled by the swoopers.

Queen Of Fire flashed home as the widest runner in the home straight to score by a head from outsider Wingsofaneagle with Glory Jasper a half-neck away third and just in advance of Benediction.

It was only Queen Of Fire’s second win of the season from 19 starts but Slater was upbeat about the mare’s chances in the Devonport Cup.

Listen to what Slater had to say after Queen Of Fire won in Hobart last Sunday night – click here.