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VIC Oaks Mission Likely For QLD Gals

28 February 2018

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Leading horseman Grant Dixon has returned to Brisbane disappointed.

 

The state’s leading trainer held high hopes of landing a Group One double at TABCORP Park, Menangle with his exciting three-year-olds Colt Thirty One and Fame Assured.

 

Both were contesting $200,000 feature events, the NSW Derby and Oaks.

 

Colt Thirty One, a winner of the Victoria Derby last month, was aiming for another feature race triumph but was the beaten favourite when 5th in the 2400m classic after leading.

 

The race was won by Victorian colt Poster Boy.

 

In the Oaks, Fame Assured failed to capitalise on a perfect trail before weakening to finish 7th behind Shez All Rock.

 

But Dixon has moved on and is already planning his next move.

 

“It wasn’t the result I was hoping for but that’s racing, both landed good runs but both failed to see it out. We can’t change the result so we’ll just turn the page and move on.” Dixon said.

 

With his team back at their Tamborine base, Dixon plans on giving Colt Thirty One an easy period before aiming at local features in the coming months including both the QBRED Triad and Queensland Derby while a return trip to Victoria for the Breeders Crown in August will be considered at a later date.

 

But Fame Assured and Aqua Miss could be headed to Melbourne for the Gr.1 Victoria Oaks

 

Classy filly Red Charmer could also join her stablemates.

 

“I think all three fillies are talented in their own right and deserve their opportunity in a race like the Victoria Oaks but I haven’t confirmed the team as yet.

 

“The Victoria Oaks is always a strong series and this season will be no different, several of the top fillies we met in Sydney will be aiming at it so it’s going to be tough.

 

“But I’m sure we can feature if we have any luck going our way, they’re all very capable. Fame Assured is better than her last start while Aqua Miss was very unlucky not to qualify for the NSW Oaks and Red Charmer has already proven herself.”

 

Heats of the Victoria Oaks are scheduled for April 21 while the Gr.1 $150,000 Nevele R Stud Victoria Oaks Final at TABCORP Park, Melton is scheduled for the following week.

 

All three fillies are raced by their breeders, Kevin and Kay Seymour.

 

The Seymour couple won the 2001 Victoria Oaks at Moonee Valley with Cheery Cheer; the filly was prepared by Mark Lichtwark and driven by John Caldow.

 

Chris Barsby | RW Web News | February 28 | Photo credit: Dan Costello