Filly lines-up for Stakes race debut in Dequetteville Stakes

Trainer Clayton Douglas is wasting no time aiming high with debutante Blue Hotel, who will begin her racing journey in the Listed Dequetteville Stakes (1000m) this Saturday at Morphettville Parks.

Douglas had other options for her debut — including a two-year-old maiden at Cranbourne and the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield — but believes Adelaide offers the right opportunity to chase early Black Type.

The filly is by I Am Invincible and out of Volcada, a mare also raced by owner Jonathan Munz. In a neat twist of history, Volcada won the Dequetteville Stakes herself 17 years ago under the training of Douglas’ uncle, Rod, who now manages Munz’s racing affairs.

Blue Hotel has looked sharp in her two public jump-outs, scoring at Balnarring over Katsumi Orochi and backing that up with a stylish effort at Woolamai late last month.

“She’s trialled up really nicely and is a nice filly,” Douglas said.

“She’s a homebred for Jonathan Munz and the team. She’s out of a nice mare that Jonathan had himself and I’m looking forward to seeing how she goes.

She’s done everything right and she trialled nicely against the older horse’s last time.

Like a lot of things, race experience is key with a lot of two-year-olds, but she’s got the smarts to overcome things.

She’s done everything right. She’s put her hand up and I’m sure she’ll run well.”

Luke Currie, who partnered the filly in both of her hit-outs, won’t be aboard on race day due to riding commitments at Caulfield. South Australian jockey Todd Pannell has been booked for the ride.

Punters have warmed to Blue Hotel, with her odds tightening from $4.60 into $3.90 since markets opened.