Sights set on Oaks for Winning Ways
GOLD Coast trainer Garry Newnham will set Winning Ways for a tilt at the Group 1 Queensland Oaks following a win at his home track.
The heavy track proved no obstacle for the three-yearold filly, who won Saturday’s Class 4 Handicap (1800m) at Aquis Park after jumping from barrier 3 with jockey Michael Hellyer on board.
It was the fourth win of Winning Ways’ career and first of this preparation.
“It was a very good run,” Newnham said.
“She showed us she can at least handle the wet if the wet comes over the carnival.
“That was an unknown for her (before Saturday). She is a nice staying filly and hasn’t even got up to the right distance yet.
“She is bred get to 2200 to 2400m and she will.”
Newnham said he had his sights now firmly fixed on the Brisbane winter carnival.
“We are hoping she gets up to be good enough for the Queensland Oaks,” Newnham said. “We will step her back up in distance again. She will go up to 2000m or 2200m for her next run and if she can do that then we will go to the carnival.
“She would go to the (Group 3 Doomben) Roses (2000m) on May 18 and then head towards the (Group 1) Oaks (on June 1).
Winning Ways’ win came seven days after finishing sixth at Eagle Farm and Newnham said he would look to give the filly three weeks off before racing again.
“I doubled up on her this week,” Newnham said. “She had two in a week so I’ll probably give her three weeks between runs. I haven’t really had a look at the program for the next couple of weeks.”