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Oxlade keeping options open with Sghirripa

3 minute read

Strathalbyn horseman Shane Oxlade is keeping his options open with talented galloper Sghirripa who resumes at Morphettville on Saturday.

Picture: Atkins Photography

Shane Oxlade said the four-year-old who has been out of the money just twice in his nine starts could find himself heading back to Victoria due to his tricky rating with a lot of local races geared to towards TAB Finals Day at Morphettville next month.

"We'll get through Saturday and maybe head over the border,'' Oxlade said.

Sghirripa hasn't raced since running fifth behind Validated in the $102,250 Racing Rewards SA Plate at Murray Bridge back in June, his previous effort a brave fourth behind Legio Ten down the Flemington straight.

"He was super the first time down the straight,'' Oxlade said.

"I probably would have liked to have taken a sit that day but the way the track was racing everyone wanted to be in the middle and we drew the inside and didn't really have a choice.

"Those who went with him weren't there at the end,'' he said.

Sghirippa looked good winning a recent Murray Bridge trial ridden behind the speed before cruising past rivals with Kayla Crowther in the saddle.

"I've never been against him leading, it was how he was leading,'' Oxlade said.

"I didn't want him driven to be there.

"Kayla said he got a bit keen (in his trial) but he got to the outside and did what he needed to do without much effort,'' he said.

Sghirripa clashes with another talented galloper first-up from a spell – the Peter Hardacre-trained Press Down.

Placed in the Listed Redelva Stakes at Morphettville in April, Press Down was solid in two subsequent Melbourne runs beaten 1.6 lengths behind Cause For Concern at Flemington before running fourth behind Kin at Caulfield prior to a break.


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