Dominic Sutton eyes Sydney breakthrough with duo in Australian Oaks

Promising trainer Dominic Sutton has advanced swiftly in his career, targeting a fresh accomplishment in the Australian Oaks at Randwick where he hopes to notch his first Sydney triumph during a highlight of the racing calendar.

Launching his independent training in March 2024 with his initial runner, Sutton notched Group 1 victory via Feroce in the previous Australian Guineas, alongside After Summer's third placing in the spring VRC Oaks.

The filly came heartbreakingly close to delivering Sutton's Sydney debut win in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) two weeks prior, and she joins stable companion Classic Gem for another attempt in Saturday's Australian Oaks (2400m).

Even without lifting the feature, featuring two contenders in a Group 1 is commendable for Sutton's compact yard that manages 30-35 horses.

"It's our second full year of training so it's a big achievement, but we're fortunate we've got the right calibre of horse to do it with," Sutton said.

"When we started training, this is where we wanted to be, competing on the big stages at the big carnivals in the big races.

"There has been a lot of hard work in the background so hopefully it can pay off."

After Summer has lingered in Sydney post her near-miss second to Kiwi Belle Cheval in the Vinery, with Classic Gem rebounding from fifth, closing strongly behind Oaks contender Profoundly in last week's Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m).

Last out, the former was overtaken prior to a determined fightback that saw her just beaten, and Sutton believes the extra distance will play to After Summer's strengths this Saturday.

"She doesn't possess a huge change-up of speed or gear. It was more her stamina kicking in towards the end," he said.

"They probably had a quicker turn of foot than what she did when the race was unfolding, but obviously up to the 2400 metres is really going to suit."

In spring's VRC Oaks, Classic Gem was fifth, and provided the short backup suits, Sutton argues she could place prominently.

"She's probably going to be a bit of a forgotten horse on Saturday," Sutton said.

"Her run last week was very good considering she was wide the trip with no cover, and she got a little bit lost the Sydney way the first time when the race was unfolding around the bend.

"Once she picked herself up, she was very strong to the line. She's another filly that will relish the trip."

Betting has After Summer at $9.50 and Classic Gem $14, reflecting their parity which Sutton endorses.

"We work them together quite a lot at home. Classic Gem is probably slightly sharper in her work, but After Summer is an out-and-out stayer and she's going to be very strong at the end of 2400," he said.

"You'd probably be leaning towards After Summer. She's got a better barrier and given what she did last start, but there's not a huge amount between the two of them."

Barrier three is After Summer's draw with jockey Billy Egan, as Damian Lane rides Classic Gem from post nine.

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