Randwick trainer Grahame Begg has opted to take separate paths for his two Australian Oaks bound filly’s after they both ran eye catching races in the Keith Nolan last weekend.
Both of Grahame’s filly’s were nominated for the Vinery Stud Stakes on Saturday but connections have opted to split the Oaks bound filly’s to potentially increase each of the runners earnings by not competing with each other in the race. Both filly’s still have their maiden statuses and its essential they both pick up prize money at their next starts to secure a spot in the Australian Oaks, which is run in a fortnight’s time (April 16th) at Randwick racecourse.
Palacio De Cristal will have to beat odds on favourite More Joyous if she is to take out Saturday's Queen of The Turf Stakes - Photo by Steve Hart
Triple Six will run in Saturdays Vinery Stud Stakes and Grahame is confident Triple Six can improve on her Keith Nolan run where she finished fourth.
‘She has done well since her unlucky 4th in the Keith Nolan last week where she had to change course several times to gain clear running. She did well to only finish 1.9 lengths from the winner and it was her first run for a month jumping from 1400 to 1800 metres. I feel that from barrier one she has a strong each way chance.’ he told Just Horse Racing.
Whilst Dreamworker will wait until AJC Derby day (April 9th) where she will run in the Adrian Knox after Grahame was happy with her run on the weekend in only her third career start.
‘She has pleased me since her great run last week in the Keith Nolan, sitting 3 wide at the tail in a slowly run race and she found the line strongly. She is gearing up for the Adrian Knox over 2000 metres before tackling the Oaks 7 days later.’
Meanwhile Begg will also be targeting a further two Group 1 races and a Group 3 this weekend with Palacio De Cristal accepting for the Queen of The Turf Stakes, Ilovethiscity looking to make it back to back Group 1 victories in the George Ryder and Besa Bola will be looking to break his maiden status in the Schweppervescence.
Asked about his chances on the weekend Begg responded:
Ilovethiscity ‘I couldn’t be any happier going into this race and I cannot fault his condition. He has drawn a bit awkwardly so he will have to be ridden quietly in the early stages and make use of his great acceleration. He does love Rosehill, so that is a big plus.’
Palacio De Cristal ‘She is coming off a last start 7th on an unsuitable wet track in the Coolmore. It would be hard to suggest that she would beat More Joyous but she is in very good order and needs a firm surface and the speed on and the small field will suit.’
Besa Bola ‘Had a freshen up between his first and second starts and he raced too handy at his last start on the Kensington track. From his wide gate he will be ridden more quietly and I am sure he will hit the line hard. He will be suited at the 1400 metres and further.’
Written by Morgan Payne
