James and Wellwood press on to Oaks with Elate

[Chief Stipe]

Promising three-year-old filly Elate suffered a heart fibrillation in the Gr. 3 Sunline Vase last start, causing concern for her connections leading into Saturday’s Gr. 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks at Trentham.

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained filly was heading into the race off the back of victory in the Listed Oaks Prelude at New Plymouth last month and looked a major threat in the running before fading late.

“She had a heart fibrillation last start,” Wellwood said. “In that regard we have just got to rule a line through that race.

“Troy (Harris, jockey) said she felt super in the running and travelled up very nicely. He was really happy, but unfortunately she did have a heart fibrillation.

“It’s not ideal heading into the New Zealand Oaks having that, but we do know that horses can bounce back extremely well their next run. We have got to forget that run and head on with some form of confidence.”

Wellwood said she has recovered well since the Sunline Vase and will continue towards the New Zealand Oaks on Saturday.

“She’s well, she converted back to her normal heart-rate the next morning. She looks in super order,” Wellwood said. “It does give you a bit of uncertainty doing it the run before, but we are pretty happy where we are at with her.”

Meanwhile, the Cambridge trainers welcomed Group One performer Hypnos back to their barn two weeks ago.

The three-year-old son of Reliable Man won the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes at Ellerslie on Boxing Day last year before dead-heating for second in the Gr. 1 Levin Classic at Trentham in January.

Hypnos subsequently finished unplaced in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic before heading to the spelling paddock.

He is now being set for a tilt at the Gr. 3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes at Te Rapa next month before potentially targeting some Australian spoils.

“Hypnos has just come back into work. He may have a trial prior to the Cambridge Breeders’ at Te Rapa or he might just head fresh into that,” Wellwood said.

“We will get a line on him when he runs in that and we may look to head to Queensland with him, but we will make that decision after the Cambridge Breeders’.”

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