Queensland Oaks favourite Bargain is going to be a tougher nut for rivals to crack on the bigger track at Eagle Farm this weekend according to trainer Mark Newnham.
The Sydney-based conditioner partnered Bargain in a course proper gallop at Eagle Farm on Tuesday and she gave him the feel of a filly set to produce a better result than her strong closing second in the Doomben Roses last month.
“She went 1200m and home the last two furlongs. She stretched out really well, kept building really well and was strong through the line,” Newnham said.
“She’s pretty well ready to go for Saturday.”
Newnham noted the Roses was Bargain’s first run in five weeks and he has no doubt the run has brought her on for the Group 1 assignment confronting her this weekend.
“She looks to be better suited on the bigger track,” he said.
“Her best two runs have been at Randwick. Coming to Eagle Farm I would say she will take good improvement from the Doomben run and be spot on for Saturday.”
Newnham has a strong hand on Queensland Oaks Day, with his talented sprinter Splintex a warm favourite for the Group 2 Moreton Cup.
Splintex looks particularly well placed under the set weights and penalty conditions of Saturday’s 1200m race.
“He was beaten only 1.6L behind Eduardo, dropping back to Group 2 grade 1200m looks ideal for him, the trainer said.
The Moreton Cup provides the winner exemption from ballot for next week’s Stradbroke, but Newnham won’t be tempted to press on, noting 1200m is his best trip.
“He will head to the paddock after for a short break,” he said.
Newnham is a four-times Group 1 winning trainer and last Saturday had his biggest success in Queensland to date when Spirit Ridge took out the Group 3 Premier’s Cup.
