Newhaven Park

Adrian Bott was impressed, and not because English got the better of star sprinter Redzel in their final tune-up before they clash again in the Group One Doomben 10,000.

Co-trainer Bott knows the 1-1/2 length margin over Redzel in a barrier trial at Randwick on Tuesday is irrelevant, but admits it is satisfying.

“The main thing is we wanted to see her have a good hit out, and she’s done that,” Bott said.

English has freshened up nicely since finishing sixth in the Group One TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 7 with Bott saying the barrier trial has confirmed plans to send the Group One winner to Queensland.

“That was always the intention. That’s why we pulled her up a little bit early in the autumn campaign,” Bott said.

The Group One $700,000 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) on May 12 is the initial target for English’s first winter carnival in Brisbane.

“After the 10,000 we’re relatively undecided. That run will tell us where she’s best-placed,” Bott said.

The Group One $1.5 million Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) at Doomben on June 9 is a long-term goal but Bott and Gai Waterhouse may aim English at the Group One Tatt’s Tiara (1350m) at the same track on June 23.

“We’re fairly flexible. Potentially there’s the Stradbroke and if not we’ve got some fillies and mares options that would lead towards the Tatt’s Tiara,” Bott said.