Progressive filly Belle Roc can cap a big week for veteran trainer Brian Smith if she wins the Gr.2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on Saturday.
Belle Roc will be aiming to become the first Queensland-trained filly to claim the 2000-metre feature - the traditional lead-up to the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks on June 1 - since Bryan Guy won the race with Lasoron in 2007.
Smith has laid a perfect foundation for Belle Roc's Queensland Oaks campaign, gradually stepping the filly up in distance in her five starts this campaign.
Belle Roc confirmed Smith's plans to target the Queensland Oaks with her last-start third to Gem Song in the Gr.3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm on April 27.
"She went well last start against Gem Song, who is a realistic chance in the Doomben Cup," Smith said.
Belle Roc is part-owned by Smith's son Jonathon, who will make the trip from New Zealand along with granddaughter Lily, 14.
"Belle Roc is the first horse Jonathon has ever raced," Smith said.
"He lives in New Zealand but he and Lily are coming over to attend the Hall Of Fame night and to watch the race.
"The filly is named after Balmerino and Jonathon's New Zealand business Shuttle Roc.
"The Roses is a hard race and one of the best fields I've seen.
"My only disappointment is that the Oaks is at Doomben and not Eagle Farm where she could get out early and have a crack at them." -racing.com