Preparations heat up ahead of the NSW Oaks

With the Club Menangle Pacing for Pink carnival fast approaching, attention is building toward one of its feature events, the NSW Oaks. This Saturday sees the running of the Colin Watts OAM Golden Easter Egg, headlined by Sparkling Sea (Lather Up), who was a dominant winner in the Raith Memorial two starts ago.

Two fillies set to bypass the NSW Oaks automatic qualifier are Discernment (Captaintreacherous) and Ark Sea (Stay Hungry), both of whom stepped out in trials at Club Menangle this morning as they continue their Oaks preparations.

Trainer-driver Michael Stanley said Discernment has taken benefit from her latest trial which was stepped up in intensity compared to her previous outing.

“We gave her a nice quiet trial a fortnight ago, but more of a serious one today,” Stanley said. “That should bring her on quite well, but she still had a good blow after the trial.”

Discernment took the leaders trail, before zipping around at the 600m to sprint away in a 26.9 last quarter. Stanley indicated the filly still has improvement to come, with her path to the Oaks yet to be locked in.

“We will see if we give her a start before the Oaks or get her ready at home.”

DISCERNMENT REPLAY

Stanley also indicated Ubetcha Tigerpie is on song for The Nullabor in nine days time.

“He has been working really well; we hit the road in the morning to Melbourne to fly to Perth. All we need now is a good draw and we will be right in it”

Ark Sea also impressed in her trial, pleasing trainer Sam Hewitt with the way she worked through the line.

“She went to the line full of running and plugs in. She did it well within herself. It was exactly what I wanted.” Hewitt said.  “If she pulls up fine, she will have a run somewhere next week, then into the Oaks heat,” he said.

Ark Sea pulled of the leaders trail at the 300m and cruised to the line, stopping the clock in a 1:53.1 mile. Hewitt revealed positive feedback from driver Will Rixon.

“Will sat behind her for the first time this prep and said she’s stronger, fast and couldn’t be more excited to jump back on her.”

ARK SEA REPLAY

Both fillies appear to be building nicely, setting up a mouthwatering NSW Oaks.

by Harnesslink Media