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Allen Confident Unbeaten Yonce Can Pass Group 1 Test

By Ray Hickson

There’s no telling what the limits are for unbeaten mare Yonce and jockey John Allen is confident she can measure up to her first Group 1 test in the $1m Sydney's Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.

It’ll be the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained four-year-old’s first Sydney start and likely first heavy track attempt but Allen, fresh from his Group 1 Australian Derby win on Hitotsu, said there’s something special about this mare.

“I thought she was always a nice filly but every day she’s gone to the races she’s really stepped up,’’ Allen said.

“She hasn’t disappointed us yet, she’s shown really good ability and I’m hoping that she’s up to it.

“It is a big step up in class but I think she is pretty good. I’m going there quite confident she can put up a good show.”

John Allen on Yonce

Yonce’s unbeaten record has been respected by the market, she was on the third line at $7 with TAB on Tuesday behind proven top class mares Colette and Icebath.

She made it six from six as she rounded up five rivals to win over 2000m at Flemington on March 19 and it’s a run Allen said will stand her in good stead for a tough Randwick mile.

“I don’t think she will be too dour back to what I imagine would be a hotly run mile on a heavy track so I think having that run over 2000m might work out well,’’ he said.

Allen concedes a heavy track would present an unknown for Yonce, who carries the same colours as Derby winner Hitotsu, but everything she’s shown him suggests it’s not something to be too concerned about.

“Her best performance was on a soft track at Flemington so I’m quite hopeful she will appreciate it,’’ he said.

“She’s been around midfield most of the time so I’d imagine from barrier one she’ll be around there.”

Allen combined with Maher & Eustace to win the Queen Of The Turf in 2019 with Kenedna.

Stablemate Secret Glamour was considered a chance in last Saturday’s Adrian Knox but after being beaten almost 15 lengths by Honeycreeper she’s unwanted at $71 in the Group 1 $1m The Star Australian Oaks (2400m).

It’s a run that puzzled Allen because he said coming to the turn the filly was travelling quite strongly but she lost the plot and didn’t let down in the straight.

“I came out around them and I probably should have stayed on Hugh Bowman’s (on Honeycreeper) back,’’ he said.

“She got on the wrong leg around the corner and was uncomfortable.”

Naturally, Allen said Maher and Eustace need to weave some magic to turn her form around within seven days.

“It was very disappointing, she’s going to have to lift to be competitive,’’ he said.

“We thought she would be a really big show last Saturday so we are hoping she can bounce through that run.”

All the fields, form and replays for Day 2 of The Star Championships at Randwick

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