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Trainer Barry Lockwood is in the process of becoming the latest to join the training partnership brigade but first it will be a case of sink or swim for his talented three-year-old Loch Awe in the Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Lockwood, who has overcome a series of health battles in recent years, plans to start a training partnership in the coming weeks with long time offsider, Emma-Jane Vincent.
"We've had the documents to form a training partnership in for a while and we expect them back in the next few weeks or so," Lockwood said.
"Emma has been with me for a few years now and she's been great.
"Hopefully we'll be in a partnership together very soon."
Lockwood admits he's throwing Loch Awe in the deep end but he's confident the son of Magna Grecia can earn a Group 1 Queensland Derby campaign next winter.
Loch Awe was bred by Brisbane businessman Nick Anderson and is taking a massive leap in class after winning at a 1690-metre Maiden at Ipswich on December 4.
Irish jockey Luke Dempsey, who has been riding with good success since moving from Victoria, has retained the ride on Loch Awe.
"It was a good win at Ipswich so I thought I'd give him a go in the Grand Prix," Lockwood said.
"It might be a bit too quick for him going from a maiden to a Group race but he's a very nice horse.
"If he shows he's up to it, I'll put him away and aim for the winter carnival next year and the Queensland Derby.
"The Grand Prix looks a nice race for him and I'm expecting him to run very well."
Lockwood has only had one Queensland Derby starter when Baker's Boy failed behind Tenor in 1994.
"I've had one Derby runner in the past and he hasn't finished yet," joked Lockwood.
In early TAB markets, Loch Awe, who drew barrier eight, is a $34 outsider behind Matt Dunn's $3.10 favourite Moon Sweeper.
