Richardson gets chance to impress again

By Glenn Davis

BRISBANE, Feb 1 AAP - Trainer Liam Birchley has put his faith in apprentice Brooke Richardson to partner Sydney-bound filly Emmalene at Doomben on Saturday.

Richardson landed her second city win aboard the Barry Baldwin-trained Demanding Miss at Doomben last Saturday and has been rapidly making her mark in the Brisbane metropolitan area.

Emmalene, who lines up in Saturday's Racing Retro Handicap (1110m), is making her final Brisbane appearance before heading interstate for the Group Two Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm on February 18.

The three-year-old made a huge impression wearing blinkers for the first time when victorious in the Listed Gucci Stakes (1200m) on Oaks day at Flemington in November.

Birchley is currently attending the Karaka sales in New Zealand but is keeping a close watch on the weather with predictions for more rain in Brisbane.

Stable manager Glen O'Sullivan is confident Emmalene can acquit herself well despite Birchley leaving room for improvement ahead of her Light Fingers assignment.

"She's not fully wound up but she's fit enough for this race on Saturday," O'Sullivan said.

"We've put Brooke on her to offset her 59 kilos and she's now well in at the weights with three kilos coming off."

Emmalene, a $110,000 buy at the Magic Millions sales, is owned by a syndicate which includes rugby league icons Ricky Stuart, Laurie Daley and Darryl Brohman as well as well-known player agent Steve Gillis.

Stuart and Daley won rugby league premierships together while playing for the Canberra Raiders as well as being teammates during their days representing Australia.

O'Sullivan said stablemate Paprika would be a definite starter in the Woolworths Open Handicap (1200m) unless further rain fell.

Paprika was a race morning scratching from Doomben last week when the track was a heavy 10.

Paprika, who is having only her second start following a 12-month injury layoff, could also head interstate if rain disrupts her campaign much further.

The five-year-old won the Bat Out Of Hell (900m) at the Gold Coast on a heavy nine track on New Year's Day last year before injuring herself when she crashed through a guard rail following the race.

The daughter of General Nediym sustained deep cuts to her stifle and flank and did not race again until her close fourth to Schiffer in the Magic Millions Sprint at the Gold Coast on January 14.

"It's not ideal running her in the wet but she won the Bat Out Of Hell last year on a heavy track," O'Sullivan said.