Gai has runners at Eagle Farm, Newcastle and Rosehill this Saturday. She has internationally purchased stayers running, she has quality sprinters running, she has unbeaten fillies running. She has a very busy day indeed and Gai would not have it any other way.
The Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm
The Lady Trainer will be represented by Vaquera and Porcellanus in this Group One event. Vaquera held on really well at her last start for a nice third behind Dear Demi while Porcellanus is unbeaten and sneaks into this race without much fanfare. Both horses are around the $15 mark and both should run really well. Porcellanus especially seems like a filly that is on the way up and will eventually reach great heights. Her two wins so far in her career have both been really tenacious and she looks as if she will love the 2400m of the Oaks.
QTC Cup
Gai has Miss Stellabelle engaged in this 1300m race. This is the race the Brisbane folk feel is cursed because no horse has ever won this race then went on to win the Stradbroke, despite both races being very similar. Miss Stellabelle has been just so unlucky this preparation. She needs galloping room otherwise she seems to panic and not extend as well as she can. Eagle Farm is a big track that usually plays fair. All being equal Miss Stellabelle should be in the finish however $7 is very short for such an open race.
Newcastle
Gai has been training lots of winners at the Provincial meetings later and this Saturday looks to provide two great chances.
Belladini has had two starts this time in for two good placings. She gets out to the 1850m on Saturday and she will relish the extra ground. Neil Paine has been riding this filly in track work and has been booked for the ride on Saturday which is a bonus. Expect her to be right in the finish.
Loyalist like Belladini has had just the two starts both in town and has performed well in both. This gelding looks one of Gai’s best chances for the day and he will most likely be well supported once the punters read the form and see Gai’s name in the form guide.
Rosehill
She’s Bella is currently the favourite in race two at Rosehill. If she happens to win, remember to again back Loyalist, because Loyalist is in an easier race and has in the past beaten home She’s Bella. She’s Bella was no match for another Gai runner in Cosmic Endeavour at her last start, but she did run on really well from near last. If the track is playing fair, especially on the minimum weight, She’s Bella may just blow her rivals away.
Give My Regards as we speak is at $20. That is great value for a filly that has had just two starts for a win and a third. She may need one more before her best is shown, but nothing will surprise with this filly.
The Offer is an imported entire that will start showing his best form when he gets to 2400m and beyond. He has had one start in Australia for a second last, but he was only beat 4 lengths by the likes of Riva De Lago and Fontelina. He has plenty of class and don’t be surprised if he pops up sooner rather than later.
The Great Snowman was a bit plain first up but he may have just needed the run. The gelding does have a very in-form apprentice on but he may just need one or even two more runs before he shows his best.
Rule Book. Here is the wildcard. This imported stayer is first up in Australia over 1500m. He does not seem to be a winning chance due to the distance and the wide barrier. However, expect a really big run. He is one of very few grey horses in Gai’s yard so he will stand out and when he gets to 2000m he will be very hard to beat. A real black booker.
Verdict:
Need the run: The Great Snowman and Give Me Regards
Maybe (each way chance): The two imports Rule Book and The Offer as well as Belladini. Vaquera in the Oaks is also an each way chance.
Big Chance: Porcellanus and She’s Bella.
Best: Loyalist and Miss Stellabelle.
By Zeb Armstrong
