Lane’s big plans for his lady

Bunbury-based trainer Michael Lane holds The Boss Lady in high esteem and is eager to see how the talented mare progresses toward major targets both in the near future and over the long haul.

If The Boss Lady meets Lane's high expectations, she could make a significant impact in the coming weeks, with an eye toward the prestigious Ascot carnival later in the year.

Taking another step forward, The Boss Lady stretched her legs in a controlled Bunbury trial on Monday, securing second place in a four-horse contest.

Bred by Lane himself, this was her first official public appearance since making an impression in last year’s standout campaign at Ascot.

Lane is careful not to overburden The Boss Lady, but he has ambitious plans that include targeting lucrative prize money and competing in high-profile sprint races.

His strategy has been forming for months and was further solidified after the Street Boss mare strung together multiple wins during Ascot's 2024 Pinnacles carnival.

The Boss Lady clinched three consecutive victories, catching attention with a breakthrough black-type triumph in the Jungle Dawn Classic (1400m).

"We'll go to the Roma Cup first and then that leads to The Joey or The Quokka," Lane said.

"They are both on the same day obviously.

"We'll be guided on how she goes first up in the Roma to see if we can get a slot or if she's good enough to go in the Quokka, I suppose.

"It's a big step up, but we have good faith in her and either or, that's our plan, the two starts, the Roma Cup into the Quokka Day.

"I'm under no illusion that she needs to step up going into a Quokka, but the Joey is there if we don't think she's up to the class.

"We won't be disappointed in having a Joey horse, I can tell you."

The Boss Lady had a relaxed outing in her 900m Bunbury trial.

Guided by Chris Parnham, she reached the finish line under minimal pressure, never fully extended.

Lane was pleased with the performance.

"I was really happy with the way she went today," Lane said.

"It was a nice, soft trial.

"She's come up nice and I'm happy with where she's at.

"She's put on good muscle and built up nice, her weight is good.

"Obviously she had a little blow, we knew she would.

"That's why we'll go to Belmont trials next Monday for another hit out."

The Roma Cup, a Group 3 event over 1100m, is scheduled for April 12 at Ascot.

Two weeks later, the $5 million Quokka (1200m) and $200,000 Joey (1200m) will take center stage.