Trainers of the English Oaks finalists must feel like supporters of other teams when they find out Manchester City have been knocked out of the FA Cup.
The domination of Donation is over with Heather Dimmock’s outstanding open race star a shock elimination in Saturday night’s semi finals. The 1-2f became embroiled in a second bend skirmish with the unfortunate Sylvias Chloe who was KO’d.
When the smoke had cleared, we were left with an open final with Mark Wallis’ former Towcester/Henlow A3 grader Chubbys Caviar the fastest qualifier. There are two finalists for former local trainer Kevin Hutton, a successful return for Irish raider Jumeirah Charm who was eliminated in the semis a year ago, a first Oaks finalist for Paul Meek and Central Park’s Barry O’Sullivan.
Mark said: “She ran really well in the Bedfordshire Oaks and I thought she was in with a chance but she missed her break in the final and ran on. I don’t like to enter for competitions unless I feel we can make the final and I tipped Caviar on my website at 66-1 before the Oaks started. I had £50 each way, which would be quite handy at this time of year.
“Ideally I would rather she was drawn closer to the middle but we have four railers on our inside with a fast breaking wide runner on out outside. She will need to trap to win, and runs the Swindon bends exceptionally well.
“I am really delighted for owner Mike Davis. He was a greyhound owner for many years became disillusioned and dropped out the game. He has had a lot of fun with Saleen Ash and now has a Cat 1 finalist with Caviar.
“I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of John Turner. He puts such a lot into the industry, without him there would be no Oaks final next weekend.”
Final draw: 1) Ravenswood Flo, 2) Emers Cookie, 3) Ballynabee Lucy, 4) Jumeirah Charm, 5) Chubbys Caviar (M), 6) Magical Vera (W)
Going to the bend in the first sectional. Magical Vera (T5) narrowly leads from Emers Cookie (T1) – phot Josh Sealey
