LADBROKES FORM GUIDE FOR THE GOLD COAST MEETING STARTS P39
Oliver happy to take fight to Redzel
DAMIEN Oliver’s forays into Group 1 contests – regardless of market trends – are typically marked by a winner’s attitude.
With 108 scalps at the highest level safely tucked away, Oliver will tomorrow chase more glory aboard Missrock in the $750,000 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.
Robbie Laing’s mare is a $19 chance with Ladbrokes behind market-smothering Redzel ($1.80), but, true to form, Oliver is not intimidated by the odds disparity.
“Obviously Redzel is the one to beat,” Oliver said. “He’s got the form on the board, as everyone can see, and he’s a top-class sprinter.
“There doesn’t appear to be a chink in his armour – they’ve been pretty hard to find recently.
“But I guess a little bit of the unknown factor is the unpredictability down the straight.
“I don’t think there is any doubt Missrock runs her best races fresh and Robbie has identified that.”
Oliver is banking on Missrock’s outstanding first-up record – four wins from five attempts – as he shapes to upstage the flying Redzel. “It is certainly a strength,” he said.
“Probably her run (when second) to Vega Magic in the Goodwood (Handicap) brings her into the equation.”