Sargent Confident in Queensland Oaks Emergency Champion Stage

Champion Stage has been confirmed as second emergency runner for Saturday’s featured Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Doomben, however trainer John Sargent is confident she is ready for a competitive performance should she be called into the capacity field of 16.

John Sargent is thrilled with the condition of Queensland Oaks emergency Champion Stage. Photo: Daniel Costello

John Sargent is thrilled with the condition of Queensland Oaks emergency Champion Stage. Photo: Daniel Costello

Posting two wins over her short but impressive three start career so far, Champion Stage finished fifth in a Hawkesbury maiden over 1300m on debut; taking out each of the Thank You SES Maiden (1600m) and The Brandworks Cup (1800m) most recently.

Having clearly relished a step-up in distance each time she has raced, Sargent is confident the daughter of Mastercraftsman’s pedigree is sure to shine through should she make the 2015 Queensland Oaks field and believes she is in the right form for success.

“Very well bred filly, this. It’s half to Tavistock the gelding that stands in New Zealand,” Sargent told Racing Ahead.

“I would love to get some black type for the owners; it’s the same owners that own Gust Of Wind and Thunder Lady.

“Just a progressive filly, galloped well on the course proper with Anthony Allen on Saturday.

“She’s on the way up, she’s a big much like a Gust Of Wind type stayer so I would have preferred her to be at Eagle Farm but if they run hard in the Oaks and she gets in, she’ll be up on the speed and she can stay.”

Should she not make Saturday’s 2015 Queensland Oaks field, Sargent underlined a bold plan to possibly run the three-year-old against the boys in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2200m) on June 6th.

“If she doesn’t make the Oaks there’s an option she could run in the Eagle Farm Cup or run Friday at the Sunshine Coast and then go to the Derby,” he said.

“She’d get in well at 53.5kgs and it’s a big ask obviously but im just waiting to hear from the owners what they want to do.

“I don’t think it’s going to be a big field, the late entries came in but I don’t think they’ll all pay up.”

Allocated barrier 6 should she make the cut, Champion Stage is currently available at 2015 Queensland Oaks odds of $31 for success with Ladbrokes Australia.

About The Author

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.