Oaks target for smart filly; Colt ticks all the boxes; Tan eyes 3YO series for Kiwi-bred; First runner for partnership

Oaks target for smart filly

Another bold showing from Duchess Kate in Saturday’s Gr.3 Wellfield Desert Gold Stakes will set her on a path toward higher honours.

“She’s got an awkward draw, but the step up to a mile will suit her, she’s an exciting filly,” co-trainer Jamie Richards said. “If she runs up to expectations at Trentham we will look at the Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic and then the Oaks.”

Duchess Kate has won two of her six starts, including a last-start defeat of the highly-rated Hiflyer at Ellerslie.

Colt ticks all the boxes

Caulfield trainer Luke Oliver was able to fill a detailed order during the Select Sale at Karaka when he purchased Lot 730 for $100,000 out of Lyndhurst Farm’s draft.

“It’s for an owner who specifically wanted a Mastercraftsman and it had to be grey,” he said.

Oliver has previously enjoyed success with another New Zealand-bred daughter of the stallion, the Group performer Kansas Sunflower.

“We just need to work on her race smarts, she can still do a bit wrong in her races but she has good ability,” Oliver said.

“We tried to stretch her out to 2000 metres last prep, but I think she’s best at a bit shorter so that’s where we will aim with her.”

Tan eyes 3YO series for Kiwi-bred

New Zealand-bred galloper Rich Fortune is on target to challenge for age group honours in Singapore.

The Keeper gelding has made the perfect start to his career with success in both of his outings, the latest over 1200 metres earlier this month.

“It’s only his second run and he was still on the fat side, but he showed he had a very big heart,” trainer Alwin Tan said. “That run will surely top him off for the 3YO series.”

First runner for partnership

A new training partnership will be represented by their first runner at Matamata on Saturday.

Graham Thomas has joined forces with Nick Smith, whose daughter Emma is apprenticed to Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman.

They have accepted in two events with My Giddy Aunt, who is likely to run in the maiden sprint with Sam Spratt booked for the ride.