Queen Of The Turf Stakes swansong for G2 winner Lekvarte

Lekvarte is aiming to end her racing career on the ultimate high note when she contests the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, with trainer Joe Pride hoping for one final big effort from the dependable grey mare.

Set to go under the hammer at the Chairman’s Sale as a breeding prospect, Lekvarte enters her final race in excellent form after causing a surprise by taking out the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes last start, despite her previously poor record on rain-affected tracks.

“It was weird. I’m not sure what to put that down to, but she was good,” Pride said.

“She is an older mare who felt like running really well, I think, and normally when she hits form she holds it.”

This weekend she will step up against a classy lineup including Group 1 stars Fangirl, Stefi Magnetica, Atishu, and Amelia’s Jewel, making the task ahead her toughest yet.

“It’s another level up for her to go into a Group One race but she has been in a couple before and always run well and she loves the Randwick mile,” Pride said.

“She has won three or four times over the Randwick mile, including some black-type races.”

Lekvarte’s most notable wins at the track include back-to-back Group 2 titles in the Angst Stakes and Aspiration Quality, showcasing her affinity for the mile at Randwick.

Pride’s second runner, Sounds Of Heaven, also enters the race in solid form and the trainer believes there's more to come from her.

“We haven’t seen the best of her yet,” he said.

“She has to step up in grade again but she is pretty capable. She is a nice mare and she will run well.”