Noah 'N' A Deel kicks off Queensland Oaks campaign

By Glenn Davis

Talented Gold Coast filly Noah ‘N’ A Deel will launch her campaign for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks when she starts in the Listed Daybreak Lover Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Noah ‘N’ A Deel hasn’t raced since her game second to the Chris Waller-trained Kovalica in the Grand Prix Stakes over 2100 metres at Eagle Farm in mid-December.

Trainer Les Kelly gave Noah ‘N’ A Deel a five-week spell after her summer campaign which also included her second to Kovalica in the Eagle Way at Doomben on December 3.

“She had five weeks out after the Grand Prix and she’s been in work ever since,” Kelly said.

“She’s had a jump out and ran second in a barrier trial and is coming along very well.

“I couldn’t be any happier with her, but she may find her opposition a bit slick over 1400 metres on Saturday.”

Kelly has mapped out a Queensland Racing Carnival campaign for Noah ‘N’ A Deel which will include the Group 2 Queensland Guineas at Eagle Farm on April 29 and next month’s Group 2 Rough Habit Plate over 2000 metres at Doomben.

Noah ‘N’ A Deel was ridden in the summer by Sean Cormack who has retained the ride for her racing return in the Daybreak Lover.

Kelly was in ill health and underwent surgery at the time of the Grand Prix but has now made a full recovery.

Noah ‘N’ A Deel was knocked down for $100,000 at the Magic Millions yearling sales in 2021.

“I really liked her when I first saw her at the sales,” Kelly said.

“Her mother, Double Deel, was unraced but I’ve always liked the Maurice breed.

“I’ve also got her full sister, Chase ‘N’ Adam, but she’s gone shin sore and is out in the paddock.

“I think 1400 metres might be a shade short for her right now but whatever she does she’ll improve.”

Kelly is hoping the Kovalica form stands up during the winter carnival.

“Kovalica was too good for her both times in the summer, but I understand he’s coming back for the Queensland Derby,” Kelly said.

Kovalica sat in the box seat and was unextended downing Noah ‘N’ A Deel by more than two lengths in the Eagle Way while Kelly’s filly got well back early.

At the time Cormack rated Noah ‘N’ A Deel unlucky in the Eagle Way after she copped a bump and got unbalanced and was forced to come wide on the home turn.

However, the Sydney raider proved the Gateway victory was no fluke when he was again too strong for Noah ‘N’ A Deel in the Grand Prix.