Quarantine restrictions have forced trainer Tony Noonan to abandon a trip to Singapore for star mare Ortensia who will instead head to Brisbane without regular jockey Craig Williams for the early part of a winter carnival campaign.Noonan was keen to send Ortensia on her first trip overseas for a clash with Rocket Man in the KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) at Kranji on May 16 but a three-week stay in quarantine swayed him against making the trip."There were a few things to consider includi

Quarantine restrictions have forced trainer Tony Noonan to abandon a trip to Singapore for star mare Ortensia who will instead head to Brisbane without regular jockey Craig Williams for the early part of a winter carnival campaign.

Noonan was keen to send Ortensia on her first trip overseas for a clash with Rocket Man in the KrisFlyer International Sprint (1200m) at Kranji on May 16 but a three-week stay in quarantine swayed him against making the trip.

"There were a few things to consider including the three-week quarantine period and the heat but they have air-conditioned boxes over there so the heat wasn't a real concern," Noonan said.

"Three weeks is a long time in quarantine and we wanted to bring her home for the Stradbroke and Winter Stakes.

"Not being able to get her back quick enough tipped the scales."

Williams has been the four-year-old's regular rider and was aboard her when she scored a brilliant last-to-first victory in the Group One The Galaxy (1100m) at Randwick last Saturday.

"Unfortunately Craig has taken up a contract in Japan and won't be able to ride her at her next two starts in Brisbane," Noonan said.

"It's not a major worry as she's an easy horse to ride. I'm sure there's a lot of good riders out there who will want to be on her in her first two starts."

Noonan said Williams had not been given a guarantee he would be reunited with Ortensia after he completes his commitments in Japan.

"No guarantees have been given and we'll assess it as we go," Noonan said.

Ortensia will make her Queensland return in the Group One BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben on May 15, two weeks before the Group Doomben 10,000 (1350m).

Her main goal will be the Group One Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 12 before a winter swansong in the Group One Winter Stakes (1400m) on the same track a fortnight later.

Although the Singapore trip is off, Noonan still plans to send Ortensia to race at Royal Ascot in England next year.

"England is still on the agenda for her next year," he said.

"The Golden Jubilee is the logical race but there's also a few other races including a fillies and mares race which would suit her."

Noonan believes Ortensia is still a long way from reaching her full potential.

"Physically she's 30 kilograms stronger than when she was in Brisbane last year," he said.

"She was only learning then and she's a lot more experienced now and yet she's still only lightly raced.

"This season and next year will be her two best years."