Plenty of surprises in New South Wales Oaks Heats

Interstate harness racing raiders provided plenty of surprises in the Heats of the New South Wales Oaks at Menangle Park on Saturday thus ensuring a very open event for next week’s $200,000 Group 1 event.

Queensland filly Ruby Rules (Ohoka Punter) who was friendless in the betting came with a well timed burst to snatch victory from the two favourites Gunna Reload and Iveseenheavenslight in the first heat.

Iveseenheavenslight was a prohibitive short priced favourite and when driver Jackie Barker found her way to the lead it looked as to whether Gunna Reload who had the perfect trail behind the leader would prove to be a danger. But Grant Dixon on Ruby Rules who had secured a one out and one back trail issued a challenge out wide although she still didn’t look as if she would gather in the leaders. Gunna Reload issued a serious challenge to Iveseenheavenslight however she could not withstand Ruby Rules finishing sprint and had to be content for second ahead of Iveseenheavenslight.

The eye catching run was that of Precise who come from last to rattle home for a close fourth.

Ruby Rules rated 1.55.4

The second heat saw the heavily back Soho Americano (American Ideal) land some good bets when she finished too well for Ill Be Gone and Sugar Pie Honey.

Driven by Luke McCarthy for Burrumbeet trainer Michael Stanley, Soho Americano did a power of work early to head off Ill Be Gone before eventually surrendering the lead to noted front runner Sugar Pie Honey.

Soho Americano eased off the rails turning for home and with McCarthy just brandishing his whip finished too well to defeat Ill Be Gone with Sugar Pie Honey in third placing in a mile rate of 1.55.3

A classic drive by Chris Alford enabled the Victorian filly Miss Ari (Art Major) to take out the final heat.

Emma Stewart’s two runners Beach Diamond and Let Her Roll were both supported with the former starting favourite. Beach Diamond found the lead and she was inclined to race clear of the field. However Let Her Roll had no luck out wide early and driver Jackie Barker had to take her back to the rear of the field.

Beach Diamond couldn’t quite shake off Cool and Classy on the final bend but Miss Ari who was poised right behind the pair pounced and she quickly put the issue beyond doubt scoring by eight metres from Beach Diamond and Cool and Classy. The luckless Let Her Roll came from the rear to finish fourth.

MISS ARI MAY 2 REPLAY HEAT 3 NSW OAKS

Miss Ari is trained by Gary and Debbie Quinlan from Drouin and has been only lightly raced. She had won at Cranbourne a fortnight ago but this was a step in class and she handled the big occasion like a veteran. Her winning mile rate of 1.54.9 was the fastest of the three heats.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink