Trainer Henry Dwyer and the connections of Under Oath had dreams of a trip to Brisbane for a Queensland Derby start.
But a reality check emerged after the gelding was comfortably beaten at his last start at Caulfield in a race where Queensland Derby contenders Lucky For All and Mahamedeis dominated.
“It was more of a speculative nomination in case he had of run better at Caulfield,” Dwyer said.
“But the other horses like Lucky For All and Mahamedeis are going there as are most of the other good ones around the country.
“He’s a VOBIS Gold horse so there’s still plenty of money to be won down here in those types of races.”
Under Oath runs at Sandown on Saturday in the Ladbrokes Cash Out Handicap, race that carries prize money of $120,000 plus $50,000 in VOBIS bonus money.
Dwyer is expecting a better performance from the gelding, a winner of two of his 12 starts.
“He didn’t get much peace last time, but there again the first three home did beat the rest quite easily,” Dwyer said.
“Ridden a bit more conservatively he might be some sort of chance.”
While Under Oath won’t be Derby bound, Dwyer hopes Heir To The Throne may gain a start in the Group One Queensland Derby at Doomben on June 9.
A last-start winner of a Hamilton maiden, Heir To The Throne is a brother to Melbourne Cup winner Prince Of Penzance.
Heir To The Throne will be out to progresse his Derby claims in a 1600m Class One handicap at the Sunshine Coast on Sunday.
“If he doesn’t get in there’s no harm done,” Dwyer said.
“He’s going to be better horse next year but we’re up here to have a crack.
“If he wins it then we’ll throw our hat in the ring for the Derby.”
