Macdonald rolls the dice in Brisbane with Beluga Blue

HALL of Fame Adelaide trainer Leon Macdonald is Brisbane bound with staying filly Beluga Blue who will tackle Saturday’s $500,000 Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2500m) at Eagle Farm.

Beluga Blue finished seventh behind Abbey Marie in the Group 1 Schweppes Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville earlier this month before running fourth behind Chabaud in the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic over 2500m.

Macdonald said the filly had been racing well enough to get one more shot at a three-year-old staying feature before going for a break.

“She didn’t have a lot of luck in her races here during the carnival,’’ Macdonald said yesterday.

“She was around the place and she stays, so we’ll have one more roll of the dice,’’ he said.

Macdonald has booked Glenn Colless to ride Beluga Blue who will wear blinkers again in her Queensland mission.

“We took the blinkers off her in the SA Fillies Classic, but I think she needs them on to fire her up...she came off the bit pretty soon last time,’’ he added.

“We just need a good (barrier) draw and that will be a big help.’’

Macdonald said the filly come through her last run in great order which convinced him and co-trainer Andrew Gluyas to press on to the sunshine state where the stable has enjoyed good success from limited opportunities.

“I haven’t had much to do with Queensland at all,’’ Macdonald said.

“Augusta Proud obviously won the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast and Miss With Attitude didn’t have much luck when we campaigned her up there a few years back.’’

Beluga Blue is marked a $41 chance with UBET.

Fellow Morphettville trainer Lloyd Kennewell is also in Brisbane with speedy sprinting mare Jennyfromtheblock.

Kennewell said stable apprentice Zac Spain will continue his strong association with the mare when she lines up in the Listed Lightning Handicap over 1000m on Oaks Day.