Yep, 3 days to go! So exciting. Hope you feel better soon!

Here are the odds:


So Puccini’s the favourite, just ahead of Rising Romance. I feel like Spellbinder should be lower than 8.

I still haven’t decided! I think I’ve got it down to a top five, in no order: Puccini, Glorious Lad, Habitual Offender, Spellbinder, Rising Romance.

Also, note the riding change – I said above that Grylls would be riding Habitual Offender, but he’s decided to ride Lucky Feather instead! Leith Innes takes the mount on HO.

LUCKY FEATHER
colt
Darci Brahma – Glamoury


Owner: J Naito (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Toby Autridge & Cyril Goodwin (no Derby wins)
Rider: Craig Grylls (no Derby wins)

Astonishingly, just a $7,000 purchase at the National Yearling Sale. One of the fairy tale stories of this year’s Derby.

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 15:2-3-2

Stakes races:
3rd Wellington Guineas (G2)
3rd Wellington Stakes (G3)
4th Avondale Guineas (G2)
10th Levin Classic (G1)

An extremely underrated colt who hardly ever runs a bad race but never gets the respect and accolades he deserves. To be fair, his only wins have been in maiden and rating 65 grade, so his hopes of actually winning the Derby seem a little bleak. But it would be no surprise to see him run another brave, strong race and lob into a placing.

Odds: 40-1



COLONEL CARRERA
gelding
Duelled – Vargas Diamond


Owner: G Rogerson & Whitby Bloodstock (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Graeme & Debbie Rogerson (no Derby wins)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 12:1-2-0

Stakes races:
2nd Waikato Guineas (G2)
5th Championship Stakes (G2)
11th Avondale Guineas (G2)

One of the most inconsistent horses in this field. His maiden win was an incredible runaway romp, and his Waikato Guineas second placing was massively commendable. Apart from that, he’s shown little in his 12-start racing career, and his Avondale Guineas performance was really poor. If the good Colonel Carrera shows up on Derby day, he’s a big chance. But will he?

Odds: 60-1



MAYGROVE
gelding
Authorized – Lady Zhivago


Owner: JML Bloodstock (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Murray Baker & Andrew Forsman (no Derby wins)
Rider: Chris Johnson (no Derby wins)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 10:1-1-4

Stakes races:
9th Championship Stakes (G2)

He was outclassed in his only try at stakes level on Jan 1, but seems to have grown into a completely different horse since then – his results since that race have been third, third, first and an unlucky third. He’s rapidly developing and improving, and his pedigree suggests he’ll have plenty of stamina for this test. One of the live longshots.

Odds: 30-1


KING SAVINSKY
gelding
Savabeel – Lynisky


Owner: Fortuna Racing (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Jason Bridgman (no Derby wins)
Rider: Hayden Tinsley (no Derby wins)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 9:1-2-0

Stakes races:
4th Canterbury Stakes (L)
4th Championship Stakes Prelude (L)
6th Trevor Eagle Memorial (L)
10th Waikato Guineas (G2)

He’s looked good in lower grades, such as his maiden win and some strong efforts in minor stakes races. But against the horses he’s facing in the Derby, he’s come up short – more than six lengths adrift of Puccini in the Waikato Guineas. He’ll have to lift his game.

Odds: 60-1

Some good Derby stuff from Trackside TV. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6-Pq2SyXYk

Puccini: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHboEU8AFjg
Spellbinder: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tO33n4FDaM
Rising Romance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-OQBtvRnZc
Glorious Lad: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AWo8ElLTUk

Yea!!! That's really good news!

Am surprised but happy!

I like your top five. :tro:

No idea who else I'd use besides Puccini and Spellbinder. I mean I would use both on top and Rising Romance underneath but Jesus Christ they are a great bunch this time aren't they??!!

Super excited and wow thank you again for all the fantastic posts and links!!!!!

When is the barrier draw?

So pretty! :D

Yeah, Maygrove is a stunning individual! And I think he’s going to be a good racehorse, but just not sure if that’ll happen in time for this weekend.

The draw was done yesterday. Here it is:

1 Rising Romance
2 Blizzard
3 Puccini
4 Fast Dragon
5 In A Minute
6 Sir Lancelot
7 Lucky Feather
8 Stand Your Ground
9 Kentucky Son
10 We’regoingtogetcha
11 Glorious Lad
12 Mr Frankey
13 Maygrove
14 Tokomutu Judge
15 Colonel Carrera
16 Habitual Offender
17 Chipandchase
18 Thorn Pass
19 Spellbinder
20 King Savinsky
21 The Fire Inside
22 Valdivia

Note that only 18 horses can run, so Sir Lancelot, Valdivia, In A Minute and Tokomutu Judge all need scratchings to make it into the field. It’s an interesting draw – a lot of the favourites are either a bit too far in (Rising Romance, Puccini) or way too far out (Spellbinder). Although I think Puccini can push through and take the lead and avoid any trouble.

Don't have photos for all of these, sorry!

FAST DRAGON
colt
Fastnet Rock – Secret Silence


Owner: Able International (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Bruce Wallace (no Derby wins)
Rider: Johnathon Parkes (no Derby wins)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 12:1-0-2

Stakes races:
1st Champagne Stakes (L,2yo)
3rd Karaka Mile (L)
3rd Trevor Eagle Memorial (L)
4th Championship Stakes (G2)
6th Avondale Guineas (G2)

Hasn’t been able to repeat his impressive stakes win as a 2-year-old, but he’s produced some useful performances this season. It’s just a bit hard to see him turning around the 7-length margin Puccini beat him by in their last meeting, and his pedigree has some question marks around stamina – his brother Albany Reunion is a very speedy, stakes-placed sprinter.

Odds: 60-1



KENTUCKY SON
gelding
Civics – Southern Triumph

Owner: S Boshier, M Cunningham, P Dobson, J & A Parnwell (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Lee Somervell (no Derby wins)
Rider: Trudy Thornton (no Derby wins)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 12:2-1-2

Stakes races:
4th Trevor Eagle Memorial (L)
9th Great Northern Guineas (G2)
15th Waikato Guineas (G2)
15th Avondale Guineas (G2)

Those yellow silks of the Parnwell-Somervell combination have had some great moments at Ellerslie, most notably the Group 1 Railway win by top mare Fleur de Lune. It’s hard to see them adding another one here. This horse has finished last in both the Waikato Guineas and Avondale Guineas. He did a lot better last weekend back down in rating 75 grade, but this looks like too big a mountain to climb.

Odds: 100-1



MR FRANKEY
gelding
Towkay – Franchice

Owner: K Dixon, P Finlayson, L Latta, M Masters, M Passey, A Rennie & T Tomlins (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Lisa Latta (no Derby wins)
Rider: Sam Spratt (no Derby wins)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 7:1-1-2

No stakes races.

An admirable model of consistency in lower grades – never further back than fifth in his seven starts – this is a daunting first crack at stakes level for the son of Towkay. Two starts ago he finished within a length of leading Oaks prospect Chop Chop, and last time out he was right up behind Habitual Offender, so there’s some ability there. He could finish in the top half of the field, but it’s hard to see Mr Frankey providing a first Derby triumph to Lisa Latta and Sam Spratt.

Odds: 50-1


CHIPANDCHASE
gelding
Pentire – Charmaine (Pentire sired 2004 Derby winner Xcellent. Charmaine is the dam of stakes-placed Charma)

Owner: B Devine, Sir Colin & Lady Meads, T Moore, M & E Oram, C Robertson, N & J Toy, A & N Walters (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Stephen Marsh (no Derby wins)
Rider: Noel Harris (Hail 2000)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 7:1-1-0

Stakes races:
8th Championship Stakes (G2)
10th Karaka Mile (L)

14 years ago, Noel Harris won the Derby aboard Hail for trainer Bruce Marsh. This time he’s riding a Derby hope for another Marsh – Bruce’s son Stephen. But this gelding seems less well-credentialed, with only a maiden win and a rating 65 second to show for his seven starts so far. Stephen Marsh and part-owner/legendary former rugby player Colin Meads combined for a Group 1 win during this week last year with Ruud Awakening, but there’s been little to suggest Chipandchase is a serious chance of making lightning strike twice.

Odds: 50-1




THE FIRE INSIDE
filly
Sir Percy – Burning Desire (from the first crop of Epsom Derby winner Sir Percy)

Owner: Betalert Ltd, I McCarrison, P Moroney, J Vaughan & G Williams (McCarrison and Moroney won the 2004 Derby with Xcellent; Moroney also won in 2003 with Cut The Cake)
Trainer: Mike Moroney (Great Command 1996, Cut The Cake 2003, Xcellent 2004) & Chad Ormsby
Rider: Mark Sweeney (no Derby wins)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 6:2-1-2

Stakes races:
3rd Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (G2)

Ran a terrific race to finish third, two lengths behind Hera and pellbinder, in the Sir Tristram. Looks likely to thrive over the testing 2400m. Could be more of a chance in this than many are giving her credit for.

Odds: 25-1



SIR LANCELOT
gelding
Stravinsky – Shall We Dance (so a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Pulcinella)

Owner: C & L Betts (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Jeff McVean (Leica Guv 2001) & Emma-Lee Browne
Rider: TO BE CONFIRMED

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 8:1-0-1

Stakes races:
11th Great Northern Guineas (G2)

Needs one scratching to make the field. He’s run a couple of decent races, but hasn’t really shown enough to be considered a huge chance in this.

Odds: 80-1



VALDIVIA
gelding
Don Eduardo – Just Polly (Don Eduardo, still the all-time record for most expensive yearling ever sold in NZ at $3.4m, won the Derby in Sydney as a 3-year-old)

Owner: JML Bloodstock & M Wyborn (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Mike Moroney (Great Command 1996, Cut The Cake 2003, Xcellent 2004) & Chad Ormsby
Rider: TO BE CONFIRMED

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 5:1-0-0

Stakes races:
5th Waikato Guineas (G2)

Needs two scratchings to make the field. Ran an excellent race at massive odds in the Waikato Guineas, finishing just 3.2 lengths behind Puccini. Seemed to be peaking at the right time and about to do something special to thrust his way into the Derby field, but finished a hugely disappointing seventh in weaker company next time out. But he’d be an intriguing runner if he ran up to the Waikato Guineas level again.

Odds: 50-1



IN A MINUTE
gelding
Spartacus – Mintelle

Owner: D Karreman/The Oaks Stud (no Derby wins)
Trainer: Ralph Manning (no Derby wins)
Rider: TO BE CONFIRMED

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 4:1-1-0

No stakes races

Needs three scratchings to make the field. In 2006 The Oaks Stud came so close to Derby glory with Roman Chariot, beaten only by determined front-runner Wahid. They haven’t come as close since. This year looked like being their best chance with exciting 3-year-old All Torn Up, but that fell apart in a pre-race disaster at the Waikato Guineas that saw him come out of that race and off the Derby trail. Talented gelding In A Minute is his replacement, and his performances so far suggest he’s not quite at the same level. A well-beaten eighth behind Habitual Offender last time out.

Odds: 80-1


TOKOMUTU JUDGE
gelding
Volksraad – Shock (Volksraad sired 2010 Derby winner Military Move. Shock was a stakes performer herself)

(Starts:1st-2nd-3rd): 11:1-2-1

No stakes races

Needs an extremely unlikely four scratchings to make the field, and best performances have been on slow to heavy ground. Not likely to figure.

Odds: 125-1

You are forgiven for not having photos! :D

Went back and watched a few of The Fire Inside's replays... very nice girl and of course I love her trainer (ooops almost time for me to bug you for an Xcellent update!). Had forgotten the race with Hera (that that was her).

Funny cause I have seen Sir Lancelot's name repeatedly but never seem to notice him for some reason. (Feel bad for saying so!).

I keep thinking Valdivia is a she...

Okay forgive my rambling but this is the only racing I'm paying attention to at the moment and thanks, starting to feel better (finally) but this is dragging and I am so sick of being sick!

Anyway I was thinking what a shame it is not to have Chambord here. He really did look so good at one point. Must be tough when that happens.

I think Locket wins the 1st and good luck to Durham Town and Little Wonder (so cute) in the Darley Plate...

Hope Chop Chop wins hers at Hastings! (G/l to Far Fetched too).

Going to watch some replays with Colonel Carerra and Thorn Pass. I think either could be sneaky good.

I tam more excited this year than any other. How does the field rate for you? Dying to know!

Oh and you ARE going, right?????!!!!! :)

Of course! Been to every Derby since... 1995, I think!

It is a good and very even field this year. You're right about Chambord, and a few other really talented horses are missing the race due to injuries etc - Aspen, El Doute, All Torn Up, Sacred Park, Nigelissima... But still should be a great race. Sounds like the weather's going to be good!

Happy Derby Day!!!!!

Hope you have a fantastic time and that everyone comes home safe.

Good luck to Puccini but really, to all of them. Great group!

Just watched replays of Weregoingtogetcha..... trying to figure out if they added blinkers as they had talked about (?).

Hope the weather is fine and that you take and post pictures!

Blow kisses to Puccini! And Lucky Feather. Amd Blizzard. And Spellbinder. And... you know what never mind just have a great time! :D

Puccini!!!!!!!!

Hahahaha so excited and cannot wait to see the replay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh my God I love him so much, great win and wow how brave was Rising Romance???!!!!!

Watched it a few times and the only other replay I've seen was Little Wonder (!!!!!). Thrilled for him and good for Durham Town.

I cannot even imagine how exciting that is to be there... lucky you!

Pretty sure you hit the Derby every which way. Yea!!!!! :)

Overjoyed.

PUCCINI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UNBELIEVABLE. Just... I have no words.

I've watched the replay twice since I got home, and I'm still stunned. How did he win from there, and after making that huge move so early?

I've seen some amazing champions win the Derby - Xcellent, Jimmy etc. Puccini still needs to prove he's as good as those, but as far as the actual Derby wins go, this was right up there with the best. Just phenomenal.

You're totally right about Rising Romance. Brilliant race from her, and deserved better than second place. Hopefully she gets her G1 win soon.

I took some photos. I'll post them tomorrow. The ones I took after the race might be a bit blurry, because I was shaking!

Cannot wait to see them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! :)

Here we go. It's hard to get very close on Derby day with the big crowd!

Puccini in the parade ring, just minutes before that incredible Derby win.


Rising Romance in the parade ring.

And a couple of Puccini after the race:






And this one isn't mine, but it's such a great photo of him.

LOVE your pictures cause I love how they give a sense of being there!

Some day!

Just an amazing win and a great group of 3 year olds. Thrilled.

Looked at Wednesday really quick and whoa what's up with that? So many G1 winners on a weekday?

... and best of all Pinzaara.

Hope she wins and that you will be there to see it happen!

A couple more I like, from Ellerslie’s Facebook page yesterday:





And, yeah, Auckland Cup day on Wednesday. It’s something they’ve been trying for a couple of years now – I think they’re trying to follow the example of Melbourne, who have always had their Cup on a Tuesday. But it’s going to take a few years to get there! At least I’ve got the day off tomorrow. Should be a great day, with three brilliant stakes races and the fabulous Pinzaara.

Oh no. Thinking of you, girl.
http://www.theinformant.co.nz/racing...re-Final-Touch

Please pull through.

Oh, Pinzaara! You are amazing.

Oh yea!!!!!!! I just looked at the fast results and SOOOOOOOOO happy for you! Cannot wait to watch the replay.

A moment of extremes as I just now saw your Final Touch post and oh please... let her make it.



edit - I just watched the replay.... wow she was great!!!! I am thrilled for you!

Congrats!!!!!

But then she was a bit naughty after the race! I love this photo and comment on the stable’s Facebook page:

Haha yeah but at least she waited till after the race. :D

Again, my friend... well done!

Have yet to watch the other replays but will get to it.

Wow Chintz and Who Shot Thebarman? Surprised! How great for their connections. :)

Thanks! So special to win a race at Ellerslie on such a big day.

Yeah, surprising! But they were both impressive. And Rock Diva! Wow! Never heard of her before this race, but she was stunning. With Rising Romance heading to Sydney instead, Rock Diva's my NZ Oaks pick.

If you have a sec can you please remind me of when that is (?).

Thanks!

March 15, down at Trentham. :)

I'll try to post some more about it over the next few days.

One more day at Ellerslie on Saturday first! Great fields. Can't wait to see Bounding again, and Silent Achiever. Hope they both win their races.

Oh good thank you (fingers crossed Chop Chop will be there) and oh VERY happy to see those names and will look at the fields later on tonight.

This is my new favorite time of year for racing. :)

Cannot find a thing on Final Touch so will hope that no news is good news. Poor girl.

Latest update: http://www.nzracing.co.nz/News/12514...the-fight.aspx

Amazing racing so far today. Bounding was fabulous, as always. Vespa brilliant again. MDP has five wins on the card, and we're only seven races in!

Hoping Silent Achiever can do it again a bit later.

How great was that seeing Silent Achiever win like that? :)

... and oh Historian! Just a brave horse who doesn't quit.

Sneaky good ride on Soriano (that was her and MDP along the rail, right?).

No shame for Shuka or any of the rest... great field, great race!

I am only caught up on about half the races but the problem is I have to watch them a few times each cause they are so fantastic.

Ed why is Ric McMahon listed as the jock for Chop Chop in the Oaks?????

Where is Opie? :(

His weight problems have returned, sadly. :( It's been really hard for him throughout his career. He's taken the rest of the month off to try to get it under control. His weight is too high for the Chop Chop mount anyway. I really hope he can get through this and come back better than ever.

With her amazing performance in the Derby, Rising Romance showed she’s clearly the best filly in the country (over classic distances, anyway – I haven’t forgotten you, the ball of electrifying speed known as Bounding). Her connections have opted for a short rest, followed by a trip to Sydney to take on the Australians, so her absence really affects this Oaks field.

Here’s the odds at the moment.

Miss Selby 2.80f
Rock Diva 4.50
Moozoon 8.50
Chop Chop 8.50
Include 12
Sports Illustrated 14
The Fire Inside 16
Hot Rod 18
Miss Mossman 21
Far Fetched 25
Tiara 30
Queenoftheamazon 41
Zanotti 41
Eyeful Tower 81

It’s worth noting that Waikato Stud bred and own three of these fillies. Sports Illustrated, Far Fetched and Tiara will all carry their white, green and blue silks. Amazing feat!

Let’s take a look at some of the leading contenders:

MISS SELBY

O’Reilly – Singing Star
6:2-3-1

1st Lowland Stakes (G3)
2nd Desert Gold Stakes (G3)
2nd Eulogy Stakes (G3)

Trained by John Bary (of Jimmy Choux fame), this filly has done everything exactly right this season. She came second to Spellbinder in a maiden on debut, then cleared maidens next time out. From there it was straight to stakes level, and she produced flying finishes to finish second in both the Eulogy and Desert Gold Stakes. Those races were both over a mile, and it was obvious she was going to improve when she stepped up over more distance. That happened in the Lowland, and she won it impressively. The mile and a half is going to suit her.



ROCK DIVA

Lucky Unicorn – Bohemian Blues (so a half-sister to multiple G1 winner SHAMROCKER)
4:2-1-1

1st Sunline Vase (G3)

A filly most of us hadn’t really heard of before the Sunline Vase, Rock Diva produced one of the most spectacular performances all week to win that key Oaks prep at Ellerslie. She made us all go, “Wait, who’s that? Oh my... Wow!” She was jaw-dropping. And the 2400m should pose no problems. Owned by Raffles, trained by Pike/Donoghue and ridden by Innes, the connections are exactly the same as 2013 Oaks winner More Than Sacred. History could be about to repeat.


MOOZOON

Perfectly Ready - Mizzna
9:4-1-0

1st Desert Gold Stakes (G3)
2nd Sunline Vase (G3)

Bred and owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum and trained by Stephen McKee, this filly has had an outstanding 3-year-old campaign. She won four races in a row through the summer, including a win over Oaks favourite Miss Selby in the Desert Gold Stakes at Trentham (the Oaks venue) in January. But there are some lingering doubts about her stamina – doubts that weren’t eased with the way Rock Diva ran straight past her in the Sunline Vase.


CHOP CHOP
Guillotine – Go Hayley Go
7:2-1-1

4th Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (G2)
5th Lowland Stakes (G3)

Suddenly captured everyone’s attention with a highly impressive win at Trentham in January. Hasn’t had a lot of luck in her two stakes tries since that win, and deserves to be forgiven for her disappointing results. Trained by Shaune Ritchie, who’s a two-time Oaks winner – Keep The Peace (2010) and Artistic (2012).


INCLUDE
Gallant Guru – She’s Snubbed
7:5-0-0

1st Dunedin Guineas (L)
1st Southland Guineas (L)

The mystery horse of the field. She’s compiled a massively impressive record in her career so far, but all of her racing has been in the traditionally weaker South Island. But she has beaten male horses in stakes races in her last two starts, including a five-length romp in the Southland Guineas last time. She handles all track conditions, which could be in her favour if the rain predicted for Wellington this weekend hits before the Oaks.

Thank you for the news re Opie and for the Oaks insight!

I hope you'll have time to do the rest of the field (and if not of course I understand but I do so love and appreciate this)!

Can't wait!

Just read a blurb about Cyclone Lusi...

Stay safe.

Yeah, it's sounding a bit dramatic! Hope it doesn't hit before I go home from work tonight...

Anyway, the rest of the Oaks fillies:


MISS MOSSMAN
Mossman – Dane Promise
18:2-2-2

2nd Lowland Stakes (G3)
5th Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (G2)
7th New Zealand 1000 Guineas (G1)

Trained by John Sargent, who came so close to winning this race with Quintessential a couple of years ago. But this filly doesn’t seem to be quite on the same level as her, although she’s coming into this race on the back of the strongest performance of her career to date – a solid-closing second to Oaks favourite Miss Selby in the Lowland. Distance shouldn’t be a problem.


SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Fast ‘N’Famous – Pin Up
6:2-1-1

4th Sunline Vase (G3)

Probably the best of the Waikato Stud trio. A couple of very classy performances in lower grades, followed by a second to Moozoon at New Plymouth and a fast-finishing fourth in the Sunline. I really like this filly, but I’m not sure if she’s quite ready for a G1.


THE FIRE INSIDE
Sir Percy – Burning Desire
7:2-1-2

3rd Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (G2)
12th New Zealand Derby (G1)

Ran the first bad race of her career in the NZ Derby last time, 14 lengths behind Puccini. She’s better than that, and she might prove it here – if the Derby run didn’t take too much out of her.


HOT ROD
Pentire – Little Deuce Coupe
12:2-2-1

3rd Sunline Vase (G3)
7th Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic (G2)
7th Championship Stakes (G2)
10th Desert Gold Stakes (G3)

Coming into this race on the back of a career-best effort in the Sunline at big odds. Her race there was unexpectedly good, and it’s hard to know whether it was a fluke or we should expect more of the same in the Oaks. Either way, stamina shouldn’t be an issue for her.



FAR FETCHED
Pins – Beyond
5:1-1-2

3rd Lowland Stakes (G3)
7th Desert Gold Stakes (G3)

She was disappointing in her first stakes try in the Desert Gold, but took a huge step forward in the Lowland. She could be getting good at the right time.



QUEENOFTHEAMAZON
Savabeel – Thalestris
4:1-0-0

No stakes races

Only a maiden win to her name from four starts so far, so has a huge step up here. But she’s trained by Stephen McKee, who won an Oaks with Boundless. Moozoon looks the more likely filly of his two this year, though.



TIARA
O’Reilly – Royal Lady
7:1-1-1

No stakes races

Granddaughter of G1 Auckland Cup winner Royal Tiara, she’s another filly whose only win has been in maiden grade. This is a whole lot harder.


ZANOTTI
Strategic Image – Goody Two Shoes
10:1-2-3

3rd Soliloquy Stakes (L)
5th Sunline Vase (G3)

Showed promise earlier in the season, with a stakes placing behind Spellbinder in the Soliloquy, but she hasn’t quite developed from there as much as they might have hoped. Sunline effort was OK, but she’s going to have to improve on that.



EYEFUL TOWER
Le Bec Fin – Aeon Triana
6:0-1-2

10th Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic

Hasn’t won a race yet, even in maiden grade, so seems unlikely to be a major factor in this race.


Gotta say I'm liking Include more and more with the increasing prospect of Lusi having an impact.

Happy Oaks Day, ed, and thank you for all of this!

Hope you nail it and that all the girls come home safe.

Great fields today (very excited for the 7th and 8th races especially) but if I start wishing luck will be here all day. :D

Miss Mossman?!

Really??!! Okay I'm surprised!

I just watched the replay with Zurella (aaaah I wanted her to win) and wow Natuzzi! That was awesome! Was rooting for Antonio but wow that a super nice win.

Cannot wait to see the Oaks replay but am having a problem with the site now damnit so hopefully soon...

Yeah I am surprised though but good for her and huge congrats to her people. :)

Just watched it and glad Chop Chop got 4th.

Actually the one I was going to post as who I'd probably bet and forgot to was the last place finisher.

Well good for the Miss Mossman and for Miss Selby as well.

Just so not the way I thought that race would play out!