Colette set to invade Cup

THE powerful Godolphin stable has nominated last-start Newcastle winner Colette for the Tasmanian Oaks with the filly one of 10 interstate invaders likely to line up in the 3YO fillies’ classic over 2100m in Launceston on Sunday.

Colette was impressive in winning a class one handicap over 1885m on a rain-affected track, scoring untouched by almost seven lengths in what many NSW pundits described as an awesome display.

The promising three-yearold set a course record of 1m 55.27s, which is indicative of her quality, and trainer James Cummings is already talking about the possibility of her measuring up as an ATC Oaks contender.

Anthony Darmanin has been booked to ride the filly and he said yesterday he was excited about her prospects.

“When I was contacted about the ride the connections were excited about her prospects and, after watching a replay of her last start, I can see what all the fuss is about,” Darmanin said.

The four Tasmanian entries are the Bill Ryan-trained Still a Star, Mystical Pursuit from the Adam Trinder stable and two from the Broadmarsh stables of Brendan McShane in Sardegna Deel and Stepaside Rousey.

Mat Cumani has entered Sheezabigdeel, which scored an impressive win over 2000m in a maiden at Pakenham last Thursday night, and last start Kyneton winner She’s A Karaka from the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace stable will make the trip with Craig Newitt booked to ride.

The Hayes-Dabernig stable have nominated Bellx, which won a maiden two starts back at Mornington and Sacred Valley that finished third behind Tasmania’s star fillies Still a Star and Mystical Pursuit in the Strutt Stakes in Hobart last Sunday week.

Only a nose separated the two Tasmanian fillies in the Strutt and both stables have dished out glowing reports on how their stable stars pulled up after the Strutt Stakes.

The Godolphin stable has also nominated last-start Sale maiden winner Vallauris for a benchmark 66 handicap over 2100m on Sunday with Newitt booked to ride. The Leanne Gaffney-trained filly Deroche, which was expected to line up in the Group 3 Vamos Stakes on Launceston Cup day, has s been nominated for the 3 and 4YO Magic Millions Classic over 1400m on Sunday.

“We will accept for the Magic Millions Classic on Sunday and see how she comes through that race before making a final decision on backing up in the Vamos,” said managing owner Denise Martin, from Star Thoroughbreds.

... AFTER WATCHING A REPLAY OF (COLETTE) LAST START, I CAN SEE WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT.

ANTHONY DARMANIN