Dunn’s Energy in The Roses to Queensland Oaks aim
When asked if Oceans Of Energy can return to the winners’ circle, trainer Matthew Dunn beamed somewhat on his filly’s chances of improvement at Doomben on Saturday.
In what will be her fifth run this campaign in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m), Oceans Of Energy will be looking to bounce back after two unplaced results in black-type company at her most recent outings.
It is her work at home that has the well-travelled horseman most pleased.
“When I pushed the button the other day, she just went,” Dunn said.
“She’ll improve a bit and the run last time was good in the conditions.”
The heavy track at Sunshine Coast on May 11 where the three-year-old by Dundeel finished fifth at $61 in the Listed Gold Bracelet (1800m) encourages him further.
That is especially as Oceans Of Energy under Michael Rodd made a run before the home turn on less favourable ground nearer the rail.
She finished four lengths away from winner Amazonian Lass – also winner of the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival – who made her run on the better going down the centre of the course.
“She can really come on this week, and I’d say she’ll progress to the (Queensland) Oaks,” he added of the Group 1 $1 million feature over 2200m on June 1.
Dunn was also quick to say that Rodd would retain the ride with some bewilderment as to why the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey isn’t being seen regularly on prominent runners in South-East Queensland.
“Michael rode her really well last time and he’ll stay on her,” Dunn said.
“I think he’s being really underrated by the big stables here.”
A 34-time Group 1-winner across Australia and Singapore and placed on 72 other occasions according to Racing and Sports, Rodd has a metro-winning strike-rate of just under 14 percent in Queensland while his hits in the placings is at 37.5 percent.
Oceans Of Energy is a $126 chance in The Roses with Chris Waller’s Scarlet Oak and Kiwi star Molly Bloom fighting out favouritism.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...