Two Oaks contenders
Like a good chardonnay, it’s all about the Oaks. Go Racing is pleased to have two targeted fillies peaking for the iconic Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks over 2400 metres this Saturday.
Sentimental Miss has saved her best draw this preparation for the $400,000 big one, with barrier 2.
She was a storming second in the Group 2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic last month and went into the Group 2, 2100 metres Lowland Stakes as third favourite but was up against a wide barrier draw and clear on pace bias and finished ninth.
Trainer Lisa Latta was far from disappointed. “We were happy with the Lowland Stakes as an Oaks trial and feel we are very much on target for her grand final on Saturday. She is looking for the step up to 2400 metres. She has been working in blinkers to give her more confidence – she’s a pretty laid back horse and blinkers will help her push through gaps. However with the plum draw hopefully she can be handier and not need to push through as many.”
We will have a change of rider in the Oaks as Johnathan Parkes is committed to another horse and Jason Waddell is unavailable due to suspension. Lisa Allpress who rode her when running second on debut has been confirmed. Lisa is currently leading the jockeys premiership and we are happy to have her in the saddle.
Jockey Sam Spratt will be looking to redeem herself on Pullyoursocksup. In her last run, ironically in the Group 3 McKee Family Sunline Vase, Spratt’s impatience set Pullyoursocksup a very big task and would have been better served waiting for another 200 metres before starting her run.
Says trainer Stephen McKee, “It was certainly a frustrating ride. Pullyoursocksup did well to finish less than three and a half lengths from the winner. It will be a tough task from barrier 16 on Saturday but Sam has her instructions and the addition of blinkers will also help.”
Family connections are on the side of the Thewayyouare x Grace Park filly. Pullyoursocksup is a full sister to Group 1 placed Prince Mambo also trained by McKee.