Top New Zealand jockey James McDonald will recommend an ATC Oaks start for Full Of Spirit after the filly looked very impressive in winning at Randwick today.

Full Of Spirit

Full Of Spirit could go to the ATC Oaks after winning the Adrian Knox Stakes - photo (c) Steve Hart

Winning trainer Roger James said that the Flying Spur filly wasn’t nominated for the Group 1 $550,000 ATC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick next week, but he would have to confer with the connections if she is to go on to the fillies’ Classic.

McDonald had Full Of Spirit travelling nicely just behind the leading bunch, one off the fence and once he had her in the clear at the top of the rise, she went on to score easily in the Group 3 $125,000 Patinack Farm Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m).

James has a high opinion of Full Of Spirit and said she had pleased since arriving from in Sydney from New Zealand mid week.

“All credit to this filly. She only arrived at eleven o’clock on Wednesday night. She hasn’t missed aa beat since she’s been here. That’s her first run at further than a mile and now she’s won a Group three at the Randwick carnival,” James said.

James won’t have much trouble convincing the owners that Full Of Spirit is up to running the ATC Oaks on the quality of her win today.

McDonald was full of praise for the Kiwi filly and said he is looking forward to riding her in the Oaks.

“She’s a beautiful filly and I’m thankful for the owners for bringing her over, and that’s a good way to repay them,” McDonald said.

“She relaxed and then just got travelling a little bit and the run will just top her off nicely for the Oaks and she is going to be awfully hard to beat.”

Full Of Spirit ended up the $2.70 favourite and had a length to spare over the fast finishing Plumm ($4.40) with Secret Liaison ($6), who had no luck in running winding up in third spot.

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.