Young trainer dreaming big in Group 1 Oaks

Young Shepparton harness racing trainer Courtney Laker admits she’s had plenty of disagreements with her exciting pacing-bred three-year-old trotter Miss Ohana.

“She can be very quirky and there’s been some hard times along the way, but hopefully that’s all behind her now,” Laker said.

Miss Ohana, by Art Major is out of the broodmare Ohana (Christian Cullen), which had two unplaced starts as a pacer back in 2016.

“David (Moran) picked her out at the Sydney sales—and even when she was getting broken in, she would have only ever paced a few yards,” Laker said.

Miss Ohana, is driven by Moran, and after two recent impressive hometrack victories at Shepparton, will compete in the $75,000 Haras Des Trotteurs NSW Trotters G1 Oaks at Menangle on Saturday night, beginning from barrier four.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to the race. I picked it out after we finished second to Keayang Kurki in the VicBred Super Series Final at Melton last September,” Laker said.

“She went out for a good three-month break and then she spent time at the water walker before getting back to the races in March.

“I own her with my brother Shannon and our nanna Carmen Mifsud. She is a nice little filly and we’re expecting a good run, particularly because she has a good sprint.

“At both of her past two wins, she has hit the line hard when David has let her stretch out.

“There’s some lovely horses in the Oaks and Gatesys Gem from the pole will be hard to beat.”

Eight of the 12 acceptors (including the two emergencies) are from Victorian trainers including Marg and Paddy Lee; Antti Ruokonen, Glenn Hunter, Keith Cotchin, Andy Gath, Jess Tubbs and Emma Stewart.

Miss Ohana has had eight starts for three wins, two second placings and one third, earning nearly $30,000.

“I’ll probably give her a freshen up after the Oaks and look toward the Nutrien series,” Laker said.

The 20-year-old has been training since August, 2023, and had a dream start to her career with her first runner Curly James getting the money at Melton.

The talented pacer went on to win the Shepparton Cup last year and also took out the Cobram Cup.

“I’ve got five in work and I’m really enjoying it. I plan on leaving for Menangle tomorrow (Thursday). It’s an eight-hour trip, but an easy drive,” Laker said.

From Terry Gange for Harnesslink