Provocative not a certain Oaks runner

New Zealand filly Provocative is guaranteed a start in the rescheduled Queensland Oaks but could instead run in the Derby on the same day.

Tony Pike-trained Provocative was promoted into the Oaks field as the first emergency with the scratching of Beluga Blue.

After the wash-out of the Eagle Farm meeting on Saturday and the transfer of the Oaks to a week later, scratchings have been reinstated.

But Beluga Blue has been treated for a leg injury and will not take her place.

“The Oaks and the Derby will be on the same day so I’ll have a chat with the owners about which way we go,” Pike told nzracing.co.

“There’s a bit of water to go under the bridge yet and she’ll have a gallop on Tuesday and we’ll make a decision after that.

Godolphin filly Ambience was scratched on Saturday morning because of the prospect of a heavy track giving second emergency Sahara Siren a berth.

But with Ambience now back in the reckoning, Sahara Siren, who has been specked at long odds, is now one outside the field.

WilliamHill.com.au

Imposing Lass and Falkenberg are the $7 equal favourites ahead of Provocative at $8 and Romantic Maid and Dawnie Perfect at $9.

Chris Waller has two contenders – Sebring Sally ($13) and Mount Omei ($31) – in the race which set their stablemate Winx on her path to stardom.

The trainer said their routines would not be altered greatly with the week’s delay.

“They both worked on the treadmill on Saturday and will have a gallop on Tuesday,” Waller said.

“They are both doing well.”

Waller will have four runners in the Derby – Mackintosh, Encosta Line, Rodrico and Multifacets.

Mackintosh is the $4 equal favourite with South Australian Derby winner Howard Be Thy Name with Encosta Line at $7, Rodrico $14 and Multifacets at $26.

Waller has yet to nominate a rider for Multifacets but has Blake Shinn on Mackintosh, Joao Moreira on Rodrico and Hugh Bowman on Encosta Line.

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