Cockram Stakes awaits Ocean Embers
CRANBOURNE trainer Shea Eden has a smart mare on his hands with Ocean Embers which won the MRC Foundation Handicap at Caulfield on Saturday.
The four-year-old daughter of Beneteau was having its first run since running second in the Lightning Stakes at Morphettville and it finished over the top of a quality field over the 1100m distance.
“She took a little while to bounce back after the Adelaide trip,” Eden said.
Eden couldn’t remember where Ocean Embers would be heading to in a post-race interview, but it will be heading to the Group 3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield on August 27 where it will be a big winning chance.
“I’m learning a little bit with this filly,” Shea said about the recently turned four-year-old. “Regan didn’t panic, she’s just got a great turn-of-foot and really unleashed.
“The plan will be to come here in a fortnight, black type race.
“She’s telling me she races really well fresh, so we’ll keep ticking her over.”
Ocean Embers ($2.30 at CrownBet.com.au) was having its sixth start and has now recorded three wins and one placing. It’s best non-winning performance came when it ran fifth in the Champagne at Moonee Valley and Eden now believes he’s got the real deal on his hands.
“She’s definitely the horse we thought we had. We thought she’d string out to 1400m, but there’s plenty of options for her,” Eden said.
“She loves Caulfield, pattern of racing suits her.
“The main thing is she came here and did what we hoped she’d do.”
Jockey Regan Bayliss has had a troubled year with suspension, but the talented rider was thankful to the trainers which are giving him a chance.
“This whole year I’ve had a run in with suspensions. I’m getting great support for all different trainers,” Bayliss said.
Bayliss let his mount find its feet before bringing Ocean Embers wide down the Caulfield straight where it flashed home to defeat group one-performed Cana and Glenbawm Dame.
“She’s got a tremendous amount of ability,” Bayliss said. “She’s just missed at Adelaide last start, but today the race just mapped perfectly for her and she’s got a lethal turn-of-foot.”
The unlucky runner in the race was Mossin’ Around which looked to be travelling well, but apprentice jockey Ben Allen was unable to find space in the straight.