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By Ray Hickson

Plenty of doors will open up for flying filly Lucy Rose if she can tick the 1200m box at Wyong on Wednesday.

Queanbeyan trainer Joe Cleary has an eye on the $100,000 Wyong Magic Millions 3&4YO (1200m) on December 21 but isn’t prepared to tackle that race without a dry run.

That’s where the Hunter Containers Handicap (1200m) at the ATC meeting comes in.

“This is a stepping stone for the Millions which is also over 1200m,’’ Cleary said.

“It’s unchartered waters for her, we know how brilliant she is over the shorter journey but unless you try you’ll never know.

“I thought I’d have a look at the track before we commit to the race then a decision will be made whether we continue north.’’

Lucy Rose is far too quick over 900m at Queanbeyan second-up – November 23

Lucy Rose, the Wellington Boot winner, has won four of her six starts including her latest against older horses with 59kg over 900m at Queanbeyan on November 13.

She takes on just fillies for the first time in her career and Cleary feels she’s well weighted with 56kg after Jean Van Overmeire’s claim.

Cleary said her Wellington Boot (1100m) win suggests to him that 1200m shouldn’t be an issue, especially around Wyong, and won’t be changing her racing pattern to cuddle her.

“I know there’ll be speed from Gai’s horse (Gracefilly) but at the end of the day she has brilliant speed and a high cruising speed and we’ll use that to our advantage,’’ he said

“I won’t be instructing Jean to try and play jockeys. She’ll be handlebars down the first furlong and try to cross them and see if she can run out a strong six furlongs.

“She had to burn the candle at both ends at Wellington and that was a really good win. At the end of the day there’s only one way to find out.’’

The filly was a $50,000 Magic Millions purchase and has already won $126,000 for her connections.

Cleary said she’s come on significantly since her second-up win and is in as good shape as he can get her for the task at hand.

“Her work has been outstanding and she’s come on a bit better than what I thought after the Queanbeyan win,’’ he said.

“She has her act together around the stables, all the characteristics are telling us she’s right to go.

“I’ve jammed a few more miles under her belt. If she’s calling for a cab the last 50 yards well so be it.’’

Check out all the fields, form and replays for Wednesday's ATC meeting at Wyong