The Way Forward

A fully subscribed field of 16 sophomore fillies lines up for Saturday’s G1 Schweppes Oaks (the Australasian Oaks) as Group 1 action Down Under moves South, and Group 1 winner Fenway (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) looks to get back on track after missing an intended start in the G1 Australian Oaks at The Championships in Sydney Apr. 12. The Alpara Lodge silkbearer earned her first win at the highest level over the heralded filly First Seal (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in the G1 Vinery Stud S. over this distance in Sydney Mar. 28. Since finishing last of 14 against the boys in the G1 Australian Guineas Mar. 7, Victorian shipper Fontein Ruby (Aus) (Turffontein {Aus}) has recorded back-to-back victories at a mile, including the Listed Alexandra S. at Moonee Valley Mar. 27. She also owns a win over this trip, however; the G3 Caulfield Classic in October. Western Australia raider Delicacy (Aus) (Al Maher {Aus}) rides a four-race win streak into this contest, including the G3 WA Oaks and the G2 WATC Derby, and if she can navigate a good trip from barrier 11, she should be in the mix. Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller relies on Ingham Racing’s Wine Tales (Aus) (Tale of the Cat) here. The bay has met soft going in her two latest outings, including a second to the smart Hi World (Aus) in the G3 Frank Packer Plate at Randwick two weeks ago.