The GBBF Oaks should head a fantastic support card for Wednesday’s SIS Doncaster Leger Final – given semi final form . . . and some exciting pre-race trials.
The event for British bred females has a real competitive look to it following Saturday’s qualifiers.
The first went to Richard Devenish’s Thameside Bound (Head Bound-Milliesupreme, Sep 15), contesting just the 14th race of her career, including having reached the semis of the Produce Stakes. She came through her field to beat last year’s fourth placed finalis Acomb Ruby. Sevenofnine held on for third.
The kennel also took the second semi with litter sister Tea For Tess (Head Bound-Milliesupreme, Sep 15) who held off two local stars Burnfoot Dolly and Georgettas Court by a head and a length and three quarters.
The draw for the final: 1) Acomb Ruby, 2) Tea For Tess, 3) Burnfoot Dolly, 4) Thameside Bound, 5) Georgettas Court, 6) Sevenofnine.
Racing manager Stephen Gray said: “The first thing I should say is, although I had some reservations about whether we could produce a competitive race, it has way surpassed my expectations. It is a lovely final which promises to be extremely competitive.
“The draw doesn’t make it any easier to pick the winner. Acomb Ruby has drawn the inside but really wants the middle. Tea For Tess made a poor start in her qualifier but showed great pace to lead and must be a danger. Burnfoot Dolly is the best British bred at the track and must have a major chance.
“If I could buy one of the finalists though, it would be Thameside Bound who looks an exceptional prospect. She is not a quick starter which will work against her in the final, she may have three or four to pass, but her pace and trackcraft in the semi finals was absolutely exceptional. You will hear a lot more about her.
“The two on the outside are up against it, based on semi final form. I am thrilled that Sevenofnine made it to the final. The owners are travelling all the way from Poole and are lovely people. She is a cracking bitch, though I am not sure that this is her distance. I would certainly expect to lead up though.”
Entries for the support card close on Monday but many of the country’s top kennels appear to be lining up raids.
Saturday’s trialists include Droopys Buick (16.72-275m), Roxholme Ray (27.42) and 27.63 (450m -10) with the fastest three 483m trialists (-20 going): Roxholme Leonard (29.60), Kalamoun (29.68) and Jovial Monk (29.71).
