"Team Mishani" warm up for QTIS Jewel Finals

By Glenn Davis

Popular trainer Les Ross is hopeful talented filly Mishani Royale can take a major step towards her goal in the $500,000 QTIS Jewel later this month when she makes her return to racing in the QTIS Jewel Prelude at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Mishani Royale – a Ben Thompson mount – steps out for the first time since winning the Aquis Gold Pearl over 1100 metres at the Gold Coast on January 7.

It was the daughter of Kobayashi’s second win in three starts for “Mishani” owner Mike Crooks but despite the victory, she did not start in the $2 million Magic Millions Classic a week later.

“She hurt herself in the paddock when she was younger so we didn’t nominate her for the Magic Millions,” Ross said.

“It was a hard decision as we had over 30 horses to choose from to nominate for the Magic Millions at the time and we just thought she might not be ready.”

Dubbed the “QTIS King”, Ross admits retiring from training is still on his mind after selling his Eagle Farm stables last year but he’s likely to follow through with his decision to continue training for another two years.

“I’ve thought about retiring and I could retire now but I’ll live up to my word and stay training for another two years,” he said.

Ross – who trains out of Eagle Farm and a property at Beaudesert – is renowned for his QTIS winning strike rate in recent seasons with babies owned by his major client, Crooks.

Mishani Royale is the first foal to race of former talented sprinter Girl In A Million, who was a five time winner, and a daughter of Adelaide Listed winner Calming.

Ross decided not to give Mishani Royale a barrier trial to prepare for the QTIS Jewel Prelude with the QTIS Jewel Final at Doomben on March 18.

“I haven’t trialled her but she’s had a couple of jump outs and she’s going well,” Ross said.

“She’ll improve a lot after she runs in the Prelude.

“She’s doing everything right and she doesn’t have to win the Prelude to get into the Final.”

While Ross is hopeful of another strong showing from Mishani Royale, he will be doubled handed in the QTIS Jewel Prelude for the males with Mishani Gangster and Mishani Raider.

Mishani Gangster is unbeaten in two starts but hasn’t raced since a dominant all the way victory over 900 metres at the Gold Coast on November 30.

Mishani Raider is also a last start winner at the Sunshine Coast on February 12, which ended a string of six straight placings in as many starts.

“Mishani Gangster passed a jump out recently after he had a few barrier problems while being loaded before his Gold Coast win last start,” Ross said.

“Mishani Raider is a nice horse and was a bit frustrating when he was placed in his first six starts before he won easily at the Sunshine Coast last start.”