Weir Has Upper Hand in Oaks

[Wandering Eyes]

With a trio of runners in Saturday’s G1 Australasian Oaks (2000m), trainer Darren Weir looks to have three undeniable chances, all coming off very strong last start performances. Stepping up to the 2000m for the first time, Sopressa (Aus) (So You Think {NZ}) was dominate last time out over the 1600m of the G3 Auraria S. when defeating fellow Oaks runner Earth Angel (Aus) (Animal Kingdom by over four lengths on Apr. 21. With two wins from nine starts, both at 1800m or further, the filly has shown in her that she is crying out for the trip and from the inside barrier should be able to take up a favourable position in transit.

Stablemate Pleasuring (Aus) (Hard Spun) charged home from back in the pack to finish fourth in the Auraria behind Sopressa, and although beaten over five lengths, it was the manner in which she made late ground that has her right in the mix.

In the top two in all six starts to date, Chris Waller’s Savacool (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) was classy in her Flemington win over a mile on Apr. 14, and with a prior win over 1800m, the Damien Oliver-ridden filly aims to give her trainer back to back wins in the race after Egg Tart (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) took the race last year. Bred to appreciate the trip, Earth Angel is arguably the best bred filly in the field being by a GI Kentucky Derby and G1 Dubai World Cup winner in Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}), out of Miss Finland (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}), a five-time Group 1 winner, twice at 2000m and above.

Coming from an impossible position in the G1 Australian Oaks (2400m) last start to finish third, Mick Price’s Miss Admiration (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) appears to be on the up, but the one question is the drop back in trip.

Think Bleue (Aus) (So You Think {NZ}), the final of Weir’s trio also has a show after four wins from her last five starts highlighted by a win in the G3 Alexandra S. (1600m) two starts back before victory at Flemington over 1720m, defeating Sheezdashing (Aus) (Myboycharlie {Ire}) who she will once again meet here.

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