Skew Wiff to return in Group 1 Oakleigh Plate
Te Akau’s Group 1 champion, Skew Wiff, is gearing up for her upcoming campaign, with the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield on February 24 marking her return.
The four-year-old recently underwent her first trial on the new Caulfield Heath track, covering 1000 metres and finishing fifth under the guidance of jockey Blake Shinn.
Te Akau Racing’s Ben Gleeson shared insights with Racing.com, stating, “She did all she needed to do. She stepped a little bit slow away, but she quickly mustered and sat in behind them.”
“We asked Blake not to give her a solid one as she’ll go two weeks now to her next one, where she will be asked to do a little bit more.
“Blake said she was building through the line nicely and did everything she needed to do.”
Expressing optimism about Skew Wiff’s chances in the Oakleigh Plate, Gleeson added, “We think she’s a good chance in an Oakleigh Plate depending on what weight she gets, so once she has a second one, she will be cherry-ripe for a first-up assignment.”
Gleeson also mentioned the possibility of considering the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 9 as part of Skew Wiff’s campaign, keeping the options open for the talented winner of the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), last seen competing in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke (1400m) in November.
Skew Wiff is rated as a +3300 chance for the Oakleigh Plate with top horse racing bookmakers.