Raiders ready to step it up in NSW Oaks

A Victorian and a Kiwi stole the show in Saturday night’s (Feb. 19) harness racing heats of the NSW Oaks.

Yet Kahlua Flybye (Bettor’s Delight) and Soho Seraphine (Betting Line) may need to step it up another notch if they hope to win Saturday night’s $200,000 John Gibson Memorial NSW Oaks final at Tabcorp Park Menangle.

Kahlua Flybye could scarcely have been more impressive winning her heat in a 1:56.3 mile rate over the 2400m journey.

The New Zealand filly has now won both her starts since arriving on our shores yet will have to contend with barrier 10 on Saturday night, although will come into eight when the two emergencies, Fraya and Promiseland are withdrawn, as expected.

Victorian Soho Seraphine fared even worse at yesterday’s barrier draw and will have to come from the outside of the 10-horse front line.

Trainer-driver Michael Stanley was able to get away with a fairly leisurely first-half of the last mile on Saturday night and scored a comprehensive all-the-way win in a 1:58.4 mile rate.

SOHO SERAPHINE REPLAY

And although she has shown plenty of gate speed in her five wins from 16 starts, may have to rely on plenty of luck if she is to bag this weekend’s big Group 1.

Ace New Zealand reinsman Tim Williams may elect to do the same with Kahlua Flybye.

“I was rapt with the way she went on Saturday night,” said Williams.

“When she got clear and got her chance from the top of the straight, she really picked them up nicely.

“She felt even sharper on Saturday night then she did in her first win here at Menangle.

“Sure, if she found the front, I’d be happy to let her roll along but this filly has shown she can come from behind and be just as effective.”

Certainly, the draw has thrown this race wide open, with the likes of Isthisjustfantasy (Glen Craven), Sky Blu (Jack Trainor) and Peaceful (Jack Callaghan) all drawing near the pegs and likely to play a significant hand in how the race is run.

Meanwhile the $200,000 Queen Elizabeth II Mile looks as open as the Sydney Heads with mighty Kiwi mare Stylish Memphis drawing gate eight (will come from seven), Amore Vita (nine), Braeview Kelly (11) and Tough Tilly (12) in what shapes as one of the best races of the carnival.

Meanwhile Saturday night’s beaten Chariots favourite Captain Ravishing will have to wait and hope for a wildcard if he is to contest Saturday week’s Garrards Miracle Mile.

For complete race entries, click here.

by Michael Court, for Harness Racing New South Wales