Neville Layt is far from running scared after watching the exciting David Payne-trained Defiant Dame cruise to an easy barrier trial win on Friday.Layt prepares unbeaten filly Karuta Queen and she will meet Defiant Dame and others in Sunday's $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1200m)."I watched her (Defiant Dame) trial and my thoughts are that I might be a little bit too brilliant for David's filly out of the barriers and to get going, and then she's got to chase us," Layt said."And I kn
Neville Layt is far from running scared after watching the exciting David Payne-trained Defiant Dame cruise to an easy barrier trial win on Friday.
Layt prepares unbeaten filly Karuta Queen and she will meet Defiant Dame and others in Sunday's $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (1200m).
"I watched her (Defiant Dame) trial and my thoughts are that I might be a little bit too brilliant for David's filly out of the barriers and to get going, and then she's got to chase us," Layt said.
"And I know my filly won't stop."
Defiant Dame's 6-1/2 length trial win at Wyong was her first public appearance since she took out the Listed Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) in brilliant fashion at Randwick on October 2.
Karuta Queen has since stepped out and been unbeaten in two starts at Rosehill over 1100m.
Her two victories were enough to convince Layt to target not only the Wyong race but also the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast in January.
Layt gave the daughter of Not A Single Doubt 10 days in the paddock after her half-length win over Invest at Rosehill on October 23 and said he believed the short break had done the youngster the world of good.
"She just needed a bit of a freshen-up and she has come back better than ever," he said.
Karuta Queen's preparation for the lucrative Wyong race has included a barrier trial win at Canberra on November 15 over 900 metres.
"Whatever beats her will win, and there's going to be some smart ones in it," Layt said.
"She's untapped and I think she's got the potential there to be a little Group horse."
The layout of the Wyong circuit is also reason for optimism for Layt as he expects Karuta Queen's speed to be a real asset over the sprint distance.
"Coming back from 1100 metres to 1000 metres is even in her benefit, and I think that little zippy straight at Wyong will suit her down to the ground," the trainer said.
Glenn Williams and his fellow part-owners have knocked back a substantial offer by Arrowfield Stud for a half-share in the filly who cost $30,000 as a yearling.
Karuta Queen will be ridden by premier apprentice Tommy Berry who has been aboard in both the filly's Rosehill wins.
The Wyong meeting will also feature the running of a $100,000 Magic Millions race for three-year-olds over 1200 metres.