While Thursday’s Trotters Flying Mile and inaugural TAB Trot are Queen Elida’s imminent missions in native New Zealand, connections are already considering another trip across the Tasman in May.

Trainer Brent Lilley says the ANZAC Cup and Rowe Cup are possible targets for the multiple Group 1-winning squaregaiter, who lost few admirers with her gallant third in the Sumthingaboutmaori Mares Trotters Free For All at Melton on March 23.

The two races are both at Alexandra Park in Auckland, with the ANZAC Cup on May 17 and the Rowe Cup on May 24.

“We’re going to come back after the slot race for the mares’ race at Menangle (Group 1 Macarthur Mile, May 4) and then we will just talk with the owners,” Lilley said.

“There is the option of flying back for the ANZAC Cup and the Rowe Cup, and then give her a spell after that.

“The Rowe Cup is obviously the main aim…”

Champion driver Chris Alford will partner Queen Elida in her pre-TAB Trot hit-out at Cambridge this Thursday, with the race being just over a week before she will meet Just Believe, Callmethebreeze, Arcee Phoenix and a host of Kiwi stars in the $600,000 slot race on April 12.

The daughter of Love You left Australia last Wednesday and has settled into her surrounds nicely according to Lilley.

“She travelled good and she’s staying with Arna Donnelly on the track there at Cambridge,” Lilley, who will fly to New Zealand this weekend, said. “She hasn’t missed a beat.

“It’ll be nice to give her a hit-out. She’s always probably better when she has a run the week before.

“While she’ll still be awfully hard to beat this week, the run will top her off nicely for the slot race.”

Queen Elida has barrier five in the five-horse field, which also includes TAB Trot contender Oscar Bonavena.