Saturday 8th December 2007 5:12am
EQUINE influenza (EI) has left Toowoomba trainer Michael Nolan with a few unanswered questions for Queensland Oaks runner-up Doug’s Mate.
However, he might get some answers after she runs in the Business Finance Handicap (1200 metres) at Doomben on Decemebr 8.
Doug’s Mate is set to resume with apprentice Amy Taylor aboard.
She is a $13 chance in overnight markets.
``She can run well fresh but she's never been to the city first-up before,'' said Nolan in a press report.
``She'll run a big race but it's well short of her best journey.''
The four-year-old staked a bid as the most improved galloper of the Brisbane winter carnival when she went from winning a Class Three at Toowoomba in March to finishing second to Eskimo Queen in the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm in June.
Although the Danewin mare, who cost a paltry $10,000 at the Magic Millions sales, failed to win during the winter, she produced two other outstanding performances prior to the Queensland Oaks.
``We were planning to take her to Melbourne during the spring to see how good she is,'' said Nolan.
``I wanted to put her in a couple of restricted races first to see how she would compete with the better horses down there but it never happened because of EI.''
Nolan said Doug’s Mate would target the Listed Toowoomba Cup (2050m) at Clifford Park in March.
``She's going well and has had a barrier trial in preparation for Doomben,'' he said. ``She'll have a couple of runs in Brisbane but the Toowoomba Cup is her first goal and then she'll have a short break and get ready for the Brisbane Cup (on June 9).''