Heat two of the first round of the Property 192 Oaks had the propensity to be the final. In fact, it took the performance of the night from one of the three Cat One winners in the line-up to guarantee a position in the second round.
2019 Ted Lloyd Classic winner Velvet Juliet returned at 5-1 when leading home Produce Stake winner Queen Jessiej with kennelmate Waltham Magic back in third. The winner’s time of 27.88 was only one spot slower than the fastest time of the year.
** Juliet was subsequently withdrawn lame from the Oaks second round with a hock injury.
Assistant trainer Jimmy Wright said: “I knew she wasn’t right last night and it was confirmed when I checked her over this morning. We are just hoping she will come in season and we will take a litter from her.”
It has been a horrendous year for the kennel with Droopys Delight also suffering serious injury last night. In the last year, the kennel have lost a string of leading open racers with injury including Droopys Catch and Droopys Verve plus stud dog Droopys Buick with cancer.
Trainer Angela Harrison has also been unwell and begins a course of treatment this week. Speaking on behalf of all racing fans everywhere, we send our best wishes and hope for a speedy recovery.
All pix – Josh Sealey