Barynya in Brisbane

Classy harness racing mare Barynya now calls Queensland home. The proven Group One winning mare has raced at the highest level in Tasmania, Victoria and more recently in New South Wales where she had little or no luck.

Her future looked destined for North America with connections fielding several offers in recent times but ultimately no deal was struck or finalised.

So, owners Lloyd and Judith Whish-Wilson decided to send her further north where she has joined the stables of in-form trainer Jack Butler.

The Blissfull Hall mare makes her Brisbane debut this Saturday night in the Listed $25,000 Flashing Red, a race named in honour of the dual New Zealand Cup champion.

And while Butler is optimistic, he’s convinced she’ll perform well against the boys.

“There’s no doubt she is a classy type, her record proves that and she’s always competed at a very high level throughout her career. I know she’s the only mare in this field but I think this is a good start point for her, she’ll improve on whatever she does this weekend.” Butler said.

A winner of the 2014 Victoria Oaks, Barynya is yet to race under standing start conditions and takes on proven Grand Circuit performers like Ideal Scott, Mach Alert and Majestic Mach among others.

Barynya will start from a 10m handicap.

“The stand is a little unknown but she qualified safely back in Tasmania and I have spoken with her original trainer Dick Eaves and he gave me a good report about her qualifying trial. Having the class she has, she’s got brains and she’s sensible so I’m confident she’ll handle it.

“She’s only been here for about two weeks and I haven’t given her a trial but she’s been racing so her fitness levels are pretty solid. I just thought this race would be a better option because it should be a steady tempo early rather than a flat-out mile race where they never back off.

“There are some nice options coming up for her during the winter carnival including some mare’s only type races. I think the plan is to race till the end of the season before heading off to stud but her form will ultimately decide which path they go down.”

Another classy mare in the care of Butler is Shes A Runa, a winner of the Gr.1 2014 New South Wales Oaks at Menangle.

And the Jeremes Jet mare looks extremely well placed in the Burwood Stud Mares Pace over the 2138m distance despite having a second-line draw.

“We discovered a little issue following her first start for me last month and I’m confident she’s ready to go this weekend, the first-up run was really good and her recent work has been really pleasing. I think she will do a very good job up here over the coming months.”

Chris Barsby

• Fields for Albion Park, Saturday 14 May 2016
• Form guide for Albion Park, Saturday 14 May 2016