Kiwi horseman Lance Noble is eyeing a Sunshine Coast Guineas 2017 run Saturday week at Caloundra with his progressive filly Save The Date after her win at the track over the weekend.

Jockey Leith Innes rode 2017 Sunshine Coast Guineas hopeful Save The Date to victory in her Australian race debut last Saturday at Caloundra. Photo: Daniel Costello.
The up-and-coming daughter of Savabeel enjoyed her second career win at start number seven taker out her down under debut at the Sunshine Coast track on June 18.
Backing-up from two minor placings over 1400m back home earlier this campaign, Save The Date had her regular rider Leith Innes over for the ride in the Class 2 run on a Heavy (8) course on Saturday.
She handled the going well and enjoyed a one length win over Fit For Purpose in the 1400m event, coming through the race in excellent fashion according to her Matamata-based trainer Noble who was thrilled to secure his first victory in Australia.
“It was a big thrill and I’ve had a few placings before and success when I was with Roger [James], but that was my first one training on my own ,” Noble told Racing Victoria on Monday.
“[Owners] Brendan and Jo Lindsay came over as well so it was a great result all round.”
Noble, who has been in the role of the Lindsay’s private trainer since last year, is now hoping she has done enough to make the cut for the $125,000 Group 3 Sunshine Coast Guineas (1600m) up over the mile on Caloundra Cup Day, July 1.
“I’m not sure if she’s got enough prizemoney to get in the Guineas, but at least she’s given herself a chance now,” Noble said.
“She’s come through the race very well and ate everything up last night.
“Even if she didn’t get in the Guineas there are other options over here for her.
“She was quite fresh before the race so she is still on an upward plane.”
Save The Date has amassed just $18,984 in total prize money, her success on Saturday netting her the bulk of that with a $14,000 winner’s cheque.
Plans are to keep the filly in Australia for at least a month before she heads back across the Tasman where, next time in, Noble hopes to extend her out over more metres.
“After her next run we’ll probably leave her over here for a month before we bring her home,” he said.
“This trip will be the making of her and she’ll get over a bit more ground later on as well.”
For the latest on the Sunshine Coast races this Queensland Winter Carnival stay tuned to Races.com.au, while the best odds on all the features can be found at Ladbrokes.com.au.