Trainer Danny Bougoure has revealed that talented juvenile Oakleigh Girl is unlikely to take her place in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
Oakleigh Girl is set to miss the Reisling Stakes at Rosehill Gardens this weekend and head into the Golden Slipper first-up. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Oakleigh Girl was included in the acceptances for the fillies Golden Slipper trial, but Bougoure told Sky Racing HQ this morning that he would prefer to run the daughter of Snitzel in a barrier trial over 1030 metres at Rosehill Gardens on Friday morning.
The 2014 Reisling Stakes field includes Blue Diamond Stakes winner Earthquake, leading Golden Slipper contender Mossfun and debut winner Clifton Red and the veteran trainer does not believe that Oakleigh Girl is ready for such a testing assignment.
“That is plan B unless the trials are called off at Rosehill on Friday,” Bougoure said of the Reisling Stakes.
“The preferred option is to take her out and give her a nice 1000 metre trial and a look around Rosehill, which she will duly benefit from.
“I thought that one reasonably soft trial into a hard 1200 with probably the best two-year-old fillies’ field so far this year.”
Oakleigh Girl remains on track to contest the Group 1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on April 5 and Bougoure believes that a barrier trial will top off the fitness levels of his star galloper nicely heading into the $3.5 million event.
“She has been here (in Sydney) nearly three weeks and she has done exceptionally well,” Bougoure said.
“She trailed very well at Warwick Farm about ten days ago.
“She is not quiet where she should be, but she is not far away.
“She needs a really good 1000 metre trial just to bring her right up to scratch and hopefully that is what we are doing Friday and then into Slipper two weeks after that.”
Oakleigh Girl started her racing career with impressive wins in the Group 3 7News Stakes (1000m) and Listed Calaway Gal Stakes (1010m) and has not been seen at the races since she finished second behind Unencumbered in the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 11.
Earthquake ($1.90) is currently a clear favourite in Reisling Stakes betting markets from Mossfun ($4.60) and Memorial ($8), while Oakleigh Girl is available at a quote of $15.
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