Eagle Farm trainer Lauren Herne is preparing to head north for the winter carnivals but hopes to first achieve a goal in Brisbane.
The wife of Brisbane trainer Brad Herne, Lauren Herne has been training in her own right for several months.
She is a former accomplished jockey who rode more than 200 winners, mainly in north Queensland.
"I wasn't able to ride track work for a while because I was looking after our son Harry. He is three now and I have been able to get a reliable baby sitter," Herne said.
"Brad was looking for a change and I was keen to get back into things so the baby sitter meant I could begin riding work again."
"In January I took over the main training and Brad helps me before he goes to his new job.
Herne has been having a good run as a trainer with four winners in the past three weeks.
Leading the way has been veteran Allknight Saint who won at the Sunshine Coast before taking the Beaudesert Cup two weeks ago.
Herne will be chasing her first metropolitan Saturday winner when Allknight Saint takes on the Open Handicap (1600m) at Doomben.
Herne said Allknight Saint had been a great investment for the family.
"I wish we could clone him. He is rising nine but apart from one season where he struck nothing but hard tracks he has been a model of consistency," Herne said..
"He cost $20,000 but has now won nine races and more than $300,000. It is great to see the old boy string two wins together and he deserves a chance to win at Doomben."
Herne said Allknight Saint had been hit with big weights up to 62.5kg and dropped to 54kg on Saturday.
"He likes the sting out of the track and should get that Saturday," she said.
Herne is planning to head north with six horses for the Mackay and Townsville carnivals later this month.
Recent Gold Coast winner Kievann will head the team and Herne is confident he will race well.
"He is rising eight but I think he is an ideal horse for the Mackay Newmarket and Cleveland Bay in Townsville," she added.
Herne has recently picked up handy three-year-old Tessyer who will also head north.