No joy in forecast for Oaks contender Danzdanzdance
Sydney’s weather is playing against Danzdanzdance’s bid for glory in Saturday’s A$1 million Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick.
“She’s done really well since her last race,” trainer Chris Gibbs said.
“I wouldn’t mind some rain, but it doesn’t look like we’re going to get it – you can’t control the weather unfortunately.”
Danzdanzdance headed to Sydney off the back of her third in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and she finished fifth in her Australian debut in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.
“She was just too fresh, she pulled and she had no cover,” Gibbs said.
“She has definitely improved and we’ve got a nice draw and a very good jockey.” Former champion New Zealand rider Michael Walker was aboard Danzdanzdance in the Vinery and he takes the reins again in the Oaks. Meanwhile, Gibbs has three black type contenders in good order for the Hastings meeting.
Comin’through and Richie McHorse will step out in the Listed Royston Hospital Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) and Rikki Tikki Tavi runs in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Finance Sprint (1200m).
“I’ve taken the blinkers off Comin’through to see if he can get out of the gates a bit faster and race a fraction handier,” Gibbs said.
“Richie McHorse is going very well and the sting out of the track will really help him.” Rikki Tikki Tavi has won four of her last six starts, three of them in the hands of Samantha Collett who will be aboard on Saturday.
“The handicap suits her nicely, she comes in well at the weights and it’s a good chance for a bit of black type for her,” Gibbs said.