HOW POPULAR A WIN WOULD THIS BE!

By Graham Potter | Friday, March 8, 2024

No trainer ... or anybody involved in racing as a whole for that matter ... is more respected than Helen Page.

The way she presents herself ... the way she conducts herself ... the calm and kind attitude she brings with her presence ... the humbleness that is always in evidence in any situation ... these are shining attributes, and they are all topped off very nicely by Page’s deep, professional working knowledge of racing acquired while navigating her way through decades in the racing game.

She might have started in a different era in racing, but class prevails and, while Page remains happy to move about quietly under the radar, she is, in essence, a racing treasure and a perfect role model for those who have been astute enough to follow her lead.

That is why there would not be a more popular winner on the day if the Page trained Trifling were to salute in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Jewel at the Gold Coast on Saturday.

The daughter of Better Than Ready won the City To Surf Plate over 1600m at Eagle Farm two runs back when lowering the colours of the smart Weigall Tiger who was attempting to land his sixth successive win that day.

Then, last time out, Trifling took her place in the $3 million Magic Millions Guineas over 1400m at the Gold Coast. While she finished in eighth place there, she was only 1.70 lengths behind the winner (Abounding) at the line ... when arguably, after racing along the inside the whole way from the number one barrier draw, not finishing in the best part of the track.

It has been eight weeks since that run and Trifling comes back in distance from 1400m to 1200m. While Trifling has yet to win first-up, two of her three wins have come over 1200m.

Michael Rodd, who has ridden Trifling in her last five starts dating back to November 2023, will once again be in the saddle carrying the famous maroon silks with the white diamond, yellow armbands and cap which, this time will represent an all woman’s syndicate of eleven owners, including Page’s long-time friend Christine Cook and Page herself.

In an open race, Trifling is on the fourth line of betting in the Three-Year-Old Jewel at $7.

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