Group racing continues at Cannington in Western Australia this Saturday with the GROUP 2 WA OAKS over 520m (Race 5) writes James Broadhurst.
The race brings together a very competitive and even field with plenty of chances spread across the boxes.
WA’s leading trainer David Hobby has a strong hand with his three ‘Monelli’ chasers drawn in the first three traps: Mermaid Monelli (1), Thrift Monelli (2) and Pixie Monelli (3).
Mermaid Monelli is jet propelled out of the boxes and is almost certain to lead.
If there’s any trouble and the field jams up behind her she’ll stroll to victory but if there isn’t…she’s toast!
She’s been rundown in her past four starts, twice by kennelmate Thrift Monelli including in last week’s heat.
Little separates Thrift Monelli and Pixie Monelli ability-wise, both are big threats although Thrift is the slightly stronger of the pair.
Corbargo comes into the trophy decider as the fastest qualifier after winning her heat in 30.01.
She’s got plenty of early zip and if she begins like she did last week she’s not impossible from box six.
Veyron Star has done little wrong in her career to date with seven wins and three minor placings from her 11 starts but even
She’s a good show for the minors but she’ll need her very best effort to win here.
GROUP 2 WA OAKS Field:
Other races of interest:
RACE 4 – 520m Free To All
Track record holder Campini returns to racing here after a month and a half on the sidelines to freshen up and clear some niggling injuries.
From all reports he’s been trialling well and he’s drawn perfectly in the red but he’s still a risk as doesn’t always jump as cleanly as he should.
Cindy’s Oliver and Redcap Monelli figure as the main dangers here.
Both are exceptionally strong finishing chasers and both have been racing in good form.
Cindy’s Oliver has been in particularly fine touch with three wins from her past four attempts, including a last gasp victory in a Free To All last week.
