A fit Abbey Marie can run the distance in the Australasian Oaks

Trainer Mick Kent believes his lightly raced filly Abbey Marie is fit enough to run the distance in the Group 1 $400,000 Schweppes Oaks (registered as Australasian Oaks) over 2000m at Morphettville on Saturday.

Abbey Marie is stepping up sharply in distance in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville. Photo by r Ultimate Racing Photos.

Abbey Marie is stepping up sharply in distance in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville. Photo by r Ultimate Racing Photos.

Abbey Marie has only been to the races on two occasions for wins in a 1300m Sandown Maiden on March 23 and in a 1440m three year old fillies BenchMark 70 Handicap at Caulfield on April 23 and Kent is putting his faith in her stout breeding lines as opposed to the miles in her legs as she steps up sharply in distance to the 2000m off the Australasian Oaks.

“She’s bred to (handle the 2000m), so we’ve decided to give her her chance,” Kent told The Advertiser.

“I think it’s a mistake to try to pump a heap of work into her thinking it’s going to help her run the distance.”

“Genetically she runs it and I know she’s fit. That’s decided by her genes, not by me giving her extra work. That’s what I believe, anyway.

“I do all her lactate levels and she’s always tested very well. She’s fairly efficient at the muscular level. She’s a nice relaxed filly, too”.

One thing that Kent said could go against the Redoute’s Choice filly is her lack of race experience in a capacity sixteen horse Oaks field.

“The possible negative with the filly would be her experience, rather than whether she can run the trip,” Kent said.

“I’d think there will be a shuffle-up on Saturday at some stage.

“But she’s got a lovely temperament and doesn’t put a foot wrong so hopefully she can cope with that sort of thing.”

Luke Nolen is back on board again after riding Abbey Marie in her Caulfield win and he should be able to give her a cosy run midfield from an inside barrier draw.

Punters have rallied behind Abbey Marie and the filly has firmed in from $7 to be the second favourite at $5.50 with Ladbrokes.com.au behind the Andrew Noblet trained Silent Sedition who heads the Australasian Oaks market order at $5.

Market order for the Australasian Oaks at Ladbrokes.com.au: $5 Silent Sedition, $5.50 Abbey Marie, $8 Arcadia Dream, $8.50 Believe, $9.50 Bengal Cat, $12 C’Est Beau La Vie, Sacred Eye, $13 Asinara, $20 Lopartega, $21 First Impressions, Pasadena Girl, $26 Beluga Blue, $31 Comprendre, Camari, Artesian, She’s Got Speed, $34 Jacqui’s Joy, Riverina Bella, $41 Street Spun, $91 The Grey Flash.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.