New Zealand filly Sociable is chasing back to back feature race victories.
Fresh from her success last start in the Redcliffe Oaks on June 8, the Andrew Stuart trained three-year-old is the favourite to win Saturday night’s Gr.3 $30,540 Egmont Park Stud South East Oaks at Albion Park.
The fillies feature is the final lead-up to next week’s classic, the Gr.2 $75,540 AQWA Constructions Queensland Oaks.
Sociable will start from gate two this weekend and Stuart is confident of another forward showing but is mindful she will be at her absolute peak the following week.
“We’ve had a month between runs and I haven’t given her a trial but the draw is a major plus, so far so good with draws in Brisbane and it makes a big difference. After Redcliffe, she got a little sick but has bounced back well in the past fortnight and her work this week has been solid.” Stuart said.
While punters could walk with caution given the break between runs and a slight setback, it hasn’t dinted their confidence given the good draw.
Sociable is listed as the punters elect at $2.10 with UBET.
Ace reinsman Luke McCarthy replaces regular pilot John Caldow owing to the rich Vicbred Finals in Melbourne this weekend and Stuart believes his filly is the horse to beat.
“When John advised he was staying in Melbourne this weekend, I jumped at the opportunity to engage Luke and I’m confident she can repeat what she did at Redcliffe. Being on the fresh side doesn’t concern me because she’s a naturally athletic filly who takes good care of herself.
“The barrier is a massive win because she looks the leader and she’s capable of running a good final half so that it makes it tough for her rivals, the Grant Dixon trained fillies loom as the biggest threat, they’re all classy types with great records.
“Whatever my filly does this weekend, I know there is more improvement to come for next week and this run will top her off nicely. Our plan all along was to win an Oaks feature and gain some black type, so far so good but the job is not complete yet.”
Last season, the New Zealand trained Partyon proved successful in the South East Provincial Oaks.
Since 2010, New Zealand bred fillies have won this feature.
And the last six Queensland Oaks winners have been New Zealand bred fillies.
Chris Barsby | RQ Web News | July 5