Trainer Greg Eurell’s long-term plan for Wolfess is set to materialize as the filly prepares to contest the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville this Saturday.
“I suppose it gets back to when we were in New Zealand looking for yearlings,” Eurell said to Racing.com. “My bloodstock manager Simon Hunter and I got together and said we’d like to try to buy a couple of fillies and head them for an Oaks if they’ve got the ability. Fortunately, she’s one that’s been able to head in that direction.”
Purchased for NZ$120,000 at the 2023 Karaka sales, Wolfess has recorded one win from six starts, triumphing over 2000m in a Pakenham Benchmark 70 for three-year-olds on March 6. Eurell noted that the lead-up to the Oaks hasn’t been ideal due to limited suitable races but was encouraged by her recent performance.
“Once we identified that she could get over a bit of ground, this was the obvious target and then we had to map out a bit of a program to get there,” he explained. “From when she won at Pakenham, we really needed to give her a little freshen up because we were probably going to be too many runs in by the time we got to the Oaks. We did that, but it probably limited us as to opportunities for races in the lead-up.”
In her most recent outing, Wolfess finished fifth over 1600m at Sandown on April 9, following a month-long break. Eurell was pleased with her performance, stating, “I thought her run at Sandown after a let-up was exceptionally good. We know she can stay. She’s a filly that keeps improving run by run and I just think she hits this race in very good order.”
Drawing barrier three for the Oaks, Wolfess will be ridden by Jamie Mott. Eurell expressed confidence in the pairing, saying, “I’m thrilled to bits to have the barrier draw she has got. I think she should be able to obtain a good position in the run and Jamie Mott is a good pick-up to ride her.”
Despite being listed at $61 in Sportsbet’s market, Eurell believes Wolfess has the potential to make an impact. “It makes it very rewarding when you look back two years ago when we bought her, with that thought in mind and it comes to fruition. It is rewarding and we’re not making up the numbers. I think she’s a chance. And whether it’s wet or dry, we know she’s going to be competitive in either sort of going,” he concluded.
