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Sydney Campaign Set For Oohood

3 minute read

Oohood, the filly regarded as the best maiden in Australia, is ready to focus on a Group One campaign in Sydney in the early spring.

Trainer Tony McEvoy is keen to see Oohood run against the colts in the G1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill before returning to her own sex in the G1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.

McEvoy plans to nominate Oohood for the G2 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday week after her recent trial win at Flemington.

Tony McEvoy
Tony McEvoy Picture: Racing and Sports

Her program could include the G2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on September 1 or G2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill on September 8 before the $1 million Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 22.

The $500,000 Flight Stakes (1600m) is at Randwick on September 29.

Winning the 800m trial at Flemington on August 3 was a new experience for Oohood after her luckless 2YO season that saw her race six times for six placings in Group and Listed races including her luckless seconds in the G1 Golden Slipper, G1 ATC Sires’ Produce and third in the G1 Blue Diamond.

In fact she had never won a trial before last Friday’s victory, a result McEvoy suggests is a sign of things to come this spring.

“She was very fresh and flew the gates. It was a good strong trial,” McEvoy reported.

"She'll probably kick off in Sydney. She's a high class filly so we'll aim high.

"I want to give her three opportunities at Group One level in the Golden Rose, Flight Stakes and Thousand Guineas.

"The way she attacked the line in the Sires' Produce in Sydney tells me that she's a real Thousand Guineas and Flight Stakes filly.”

Oohood’s top class stablemate Hey Doc also won a jump out at Flemington last Friday and is on track to resume in the Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley on August 25.

McEvoy is setting Hey Doc, a dual G1 winner, for a repeat win in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at the Valley on October 26.

McEvoy’s said Royal Symphony is continuing his recovery from the suspensory ligament injury he suffered in last year's G1 WS Cox Plate where he finished a gallant fourth behind Winx.

"It’s an injury that horses recover from provided you give them the time,” McEvoy said.

“He's done a lot of trotting and swimming. The horse is progressing really well."

McEvoy hopes to bring Royal Symphony back to racing in the autumn.


Racing and Sports

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