Newcastle based harness racing trainer Shane Tritton is spreading his wings.

 

And far and wide.

 

The leading conditioner is currently campaigning smart juvenile pacer Salty Robyn in New Zealand while campaigns in both Victoria and Queensland are also planned in the coming weeks for his stable.

 

Tritton has been a regular in the sunshine state for a number of years and with the Brisbane winter carnival fast approaching, he is planning another trip north.

 

Exciting three-year-olds Miss Riviera Belle and Artistic Flite will be his headline acts.

 

“Queensland is a great place to race and the winter carnival is always good fun, it was great to part of the carnival last year with champion pacer Im Themightyquinn and we’re looking forward to getting back up there.” Tritton said.

 

New Zealand bred filly Miss Riviera Belle completed a rare double recently by winning both the Newcastle Oaks and Derby in dominant fashion and will now be deliberately aimed at the Brisbane features starting next month.

 

The Gr.1 $100,000 Queensland Oaks is scheduled for July 11.

 

“After returning from her Melbourne campaign she has really trained on well and her two recent victories underline that, the trip away from home brought her on and really sharpened her up.

 

She’s a lot better mentally now and there are a few races we will look at in Brisbane.

 

“I’m going to give her a couple of easy weeks now before getting her ready for Brisbane, she’ll be nice and fresh again for her next campaign.

 

I like this filly, she’s now won five races for me and she’s still improving.

 

“Her efforts during the Victoria Oaks were really good, she just didn’t have the best of luck but it’s proven to be a great experience for her so Brisbane fits her schedule nicely.

 

Her winning efforts at Newcastle in the Oaks and Derby were very good, running time and winning easily.”

 

Last start feature race winner Artistic Flite has been freshened and will concentrate on the upcoming Breeders Challenge series before Tritton eyes off a Queensland Derby start with the proven Group 1 winner.

 

Tritton spelled the Artistic Fella colt following his triumph at Bathurst in the Gr.3 $40,000 Gold Chalice Final on March 28 with a view to bigger targets at the back end of the season.

 

The $125,000 Breeders Challenge is scheduled for June 28 while the $150,000 Queensland Derby will take place on July 18.

 

Artistic Flite is also eligible for the Australasian Breeders Crown in Melbourne during August.

 

“He’s not far away from a return and I’m happy with the way he’s coming to hand following his let-up, he’s got several features in the coming months and giving him that break was perfect timing.

 

“The Breeders Challenge is the first target and then we’ll look at Brisbane because there are quite a few races for him up there and worth some good prizemoney, the Nursery Fly and then Derby.”

 

Tritton is currently ranked third in the National trainer’s premiership with 153 winners and sits behind Grant Dixon (176) and Gary Hall (154).