Filly hopes to run away with BMW

Racegoers at Rosehill can expect to see Brenton Avdulla repeat the tactics he used to win the VRC Oaks on Lasqueti Spirit when she runs in the A$1.5 million BMW tomorrow.

Whether she can run away from hardened weight-for-age performers the same way she did against threeyear-old fillies remains to be seen but her trainer says she will give it a go.

Lee Curtis also had her entered for tomorrow’s other group one race on the programme, the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) against her own age and sex, but said she needed the 2400 metres of the BMW to prepare her for the Australian Oaks.

“She has no tactical speed so we need to work on her positive points,” Curtis said.

“She will absolutely be going forward in a repeat of the Oaks tactics now that she is up to 2400 metres.

“She may not be in front early but she should be there by halfway.”

Lasqueti Spirit has had three starts this campaign highlighted by her second to Winx in the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) on February 25. “That surprised us as it’s the wettest track she has been on,” Curtis said.

“I also have a theory, not proven yet, that she is a better horse at Randwick than she is at Rosehill which is exciting going to the Oaks.”

Although she was $101 when she won the VRC Oaks, Lasqueti Spirit had run third as a two-year-old in the Fernhill Handicap won by Prized Icon, winner of the Victoria Derby a few days before her Classic triumph.

Bookmakers are taking no such risks in the Australian Oaks with Lasqueti Spirit in a group on the second line of betting at $11.

She is at $17 in the BMW with Australian Cup winner Humidor and Caulfield Cup winner Jameka the $4.20 equal favourites in first markets.

Ohceedee is showing the benefits of a patient approach and his connections are hoping their tactics will be rewarded at Avondale today.

Part-owner and trainer Steven Cole trialled the well-related youngster at the end of last winter before putting him aside to develop.

“He’s a really smart two-year-old, but he had a few maturity issues early on and went shin sore,” he said.

“He wasn’t going to make it to the Karaka Million so we turned him out and let time work its wonders.

“He’s done well since he’s been back and his trial the other day was very good. He sat three wide on the speed and kicked on well to win.”

Ohceedee will make his first race day appearance in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race today.

The colt will be ridden by Alysha Collett, who has handled the son of Power in both of his trials.