Queen Leonora bucks runner-up trend

Waikato Stud and their connections were starting to get used to occupying the runners-up stall in the past fortnight.

After notching five seconds with their fillies and mares since October 19, Queen Leonora bucked the trend with a strong victory at Geelong on Thursday over 1500m.

Trainer Danny O'Brien was relieved to break the run and the Cox Plate winning trainer said he expects the four-year-old Savabeel mare to contest stronger races on the future.

"All of the Waikato Stud leased fillies had been running well without breaking through, but we were confident this mare could score today," O'Brien said.

"She showed as a three-year-old that she had good ability and as we start to step her out in trip I am confident you will see a quality mare step through the grades on the way to better races."

Pic by Racing Photos