Oxford Poet Primed for Carrington Stakes

Trainer Kim Waugh is thrilled with the condition of consistent gelding Oxford Poet ahead of his second-up assignment in Saturday’s Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick.

Oxford Poet will contest Saturday's Carrington Stakes at Randwick second-up. Photo: Steve Hart

Oxford Poet will contest Saturday’s Carrington Stakes at Randwick second-up. Photo: Steve Hart

Oxford Poet has become widely known in the Australian racing community for his ability to produce tough performances amongst classy company and in less-than ideal racing conditions throughout twenty-six career starts and has subsequently booked an impressive record of five wins and fifteen minors.

The Dylan Thomas gelding ran a credible third in the Summer Sprint (1000m) at Warwick Farm first-up on January 7th and Waugh has been pleased with the benefit that the horse has taken ahead of the Carrington Stakes.

“He’s been a great horse to us. He’s tried so hard, he’s a very determined horse,” Waugh told Racing Ahead.

“He’s had a few issues over the years but he always give his best, so I think he’ll run a great race on Saturday.

“It’s a small field but it’s a good field, there’s a bit of depth to it.

“His work has been great and this whole preparation he’s trialled well. I’m really pleased with him, he’s hopefully in for a good prep.”

Oxford Poet has drawn into the Carrington Stakes field in barrier 5 and Waugh is hopeful that jockey Tommy Berry will be able to find a positive position close to the pace from the gate.

“There’s a little bit of pace in it – Gai’s horse (Ecuador) can lead and go quick but if he’s (Oxford Poet) got so much natural pace, I think he’ll lead,” Waugh said.

“If something wants to take it up, we’d be more than happy to just sit off and run second.”

Oxford Poet was a standout for Waugh during the late stages of autumn and through winter in 2016; finishing in the minors in each of the Listed June Stakes (1100m) and Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) and winning the Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) most notably.

Oxford Poet will face the likes of Ecuador, Ninth Legion and Gold Symphony in the Carrington Stakes 2017, but will carry only 55kgs.

Oxford Poet is currently available at 2017 Carrington Stakes odds of $3.80 with online bookie Ladbrokes Australia.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.