Races

Runner by Runner: WA Oaks

Posted on | Posted by Scott Embry

1. Brave Angel (55.5kg)

Trainer: Simon Miller
Jockey: Brad Parnham
Barrier: 3

1000 Guineas winner who was Brave in the Natasha Stakes when forced to make a mid-race move to be put into the action. Sustained her three-deep run from midfield to sit outside the leaders and then was battling away late in the race when Reliable Star and Pure Devotion ran past her. Drawn to get a far softer run in transit and looks a top 4 proposition.

2. Reliable Star (55.5kg)

Trainer: Grant & Alana Williams
Jockey: Patrick Carbery
Barrier: 9

Lot 576 from the 2019 Karaka Yealing Sales went the way of Peters Investments and the filly Reliable Star has stamped herself a genuine contender in this year’s Oaks. Won a 60+ Graduation on Bunbury Cup Day and then was having her third run in a fortnight (and fourth run in 24 days) when finishing a credible third behind Solaia and stablemate Pure Devotion in the Natasha Stakes. She stays, she’s tough but she needs a peach from Carbery.

3. Pure Devotion (55.5kg)

Trainer: Grant & Alana Williams
Jockey: William Pike
Barrier: 8

Jumps odds on in the City of Belmont WA Oaks. Luckless third in the Ascot 1000 Guineas behind Brave Angel and Solaia when clocking the fastest final 200m split of the race before putting the writing on the wall in the Natasha Stakes when reeling off the fastest last 1200, 1000, 800, 600, 400 and 200. Kyra Yuill to William Pike and winkers added to gear. She is the one they have to beat in 2021.

4. Temptacion (55.5kg)

Trainer: Daniel Morton
Jockey: Chris Parnham
Barrier: 5

$300,000 graduate of the 2019 Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale and half-sister to 2017 WA Oaks winner Very Tempting. Has burst onto the scene in the last fortnight after recording impressive back to back midweek victories. Beat up on the older horses at 1800m last Wednesday when showcasing an electric turn of acceleration. Brings alternate form, brings X-Factor and has a jockey who knows how to win an Oaks.

5. Holyoake (55.5kg)

Trainer: Brett Pope
Jockey: Clint Johnston-Porter
Barrier: 11

Thrown into the deep end by Brett Pope after nailing stablemate Tick Along on the post in a 1600m C1. First time beyond a mile, drawn the widest gate, likely settles last and from there is ridden for luck. Beaten brigade from her last start include perennial Class 1 types Redmill, Broadway Girl, Smoking Barrell and Fuel The Friar.

6. Sunset Cruise (55.5kg)

Trainer: Stephen Miller
Jockey: Shaun McGruddy
Barrier: 1

Only having her third outing for the SJ Miller yard and has likely been set for this race over the last 6 months. Blinkers come off and Shaun McGruddy can lob into the box seat or allow her to drift back to three back the fence. Lots of ground to turn around from the Natasha Stakes.

7. Reciting (55.5kg)

Trainer: Colin Webster
Jockey: Troy Turner
Barrier: 7

Last start maiden winner at her ninth attempt when letting down powerfully to extend away from moderate opposition. Very impressive to the eye winning by over 5L in an arrogant display and is definitely peaking at the right time. Massive step up in grade and trip.

8. Lunar Impact (55.5kg)

Trainer: David Harrison
Jockey: Jason Whiting
Barrier: 12

Maiden filly who has been contesting the natural lead up fillies features, Ascot 1000 Guineas (9th beaten 6.7L) and Natasha Stakes (4th beaten 3.1L). Is drawn the outside gate but with the notable omission of Solaia from the final field she gets an opportunity to roll to the top and control the tempo. Could run a cheeky race if left alone for the first 1600.

9. There’s A Thought (55.5kg)

Trainer: Daniel Morton
Jockey: Shaun O’Donnell
Barrier: 2

Disappointing effort on Sunday at Bunbury when going around a $5 chance in a very thin maiden event. Ran a battling third and while she is bred to get the trip, she looks one of the outsiders on class and form.

10. Strawberry Mist (55.5kg)

Trainer: Brett Pope
Jockey: Steven Parnham
Barrier: 4

Tested this company in the Natasha Stakes after an encouraging second placing at Pinjarra. Was found out badly and trailed the field home running last. Looks like she will jump on the plus side of 50-1.

11. Café Nera (55.5kg)

Trainer: Rob Gulberti
Jockey: Joseph Azzopardi
Barrier: 6

Another of the five maidens contesting this Listed 2400m feature event. Beat home Strawberry Mist and Sunset Cruise in the Natasha Stakes and is capable of being a few home in the run to the post. Blinkers on a Blackfriars and the family stay all day.

12. Denzoe (55.5kg)

Trainer: Ashley Maley
Jockey: Lucy Warwick
Barrier: 10

Late nomination fee paid by Ash Maley to accept with his Eurozone filly Denzoe. Beaten in four Geraldton maidens before coming to town and last start in a C1 went around at $81 and finished 4L off the winner Trisuem. Triple figures.

SELECTION: PURE DEVOTION

Will be all the rage and you can fully appreciate why. Eye catching when luckless in the Ascot 1000 Guineas, impressive late and through the line when charging in the Natasha Stakes and only looks better suited at 2400m. Throw all conquering hoop W.Pike into the saddle and she’s mighty hard to beat. Temptacion has X-Factor and looks the quinella horse.

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