Racing: Sargent aiming for another Oaks success

House of Cartier. Photo / Trish Dunell

Trainer John Sargent will have representatives in three states this weekend, headed by New Zealand import House Of Cartier, a recent addition to the stable that will contest the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

House Of Cartier has been good in three starts for Sargent since transferring across the Tasman from Nigel Tiley's barn, finishing sixth in the Gr.3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) before winning over 2000m at Hawkesbury and finishing a luckless fifth behind The Chosen One in the Gr.3 Frank Packer Plate (2000m).

"She got galloped on in her first start for me, so I had to back off her," Sargent said. "Then when I gave her a final gallop before the Australian Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) her blood wasn't right so I decided not to go there and head for the easier option in the Frank Packer (Gr.3, 2000m). She was unlucky and didn't get out until late.

"She has arrived down in Melbourne today (Tuesday) and Michael Walker will ride her in Adelaide on Saturday in the Oaks.

"I think she will get further than 2000m, probably up to 2400m. But we are doing the 2000m now and that should suit her."

Sargent is no stranger to Oaks success, having won the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) with Miss Mossman, the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) with Quintessential, the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) with Kirramosa and the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) with Gust Of Wind.

"She has got a bit of quality, she is definitely up there with my other Oaks winners," Sargent said.

"She might back-up in the Derby (Gr.1, 2500m) the following week."

Sargent would dearly love to win another Group One for long-time supporters Bill Gleeson and Peter Gillespie who race the daughter of Alamosa. "They have supported me ever since I started training," he said. "They gave me horses like Kirramosa who was a flag bearer in the stables when I came over here (to Australia) to start training."

Despite having a strong chance of landing another Oaks, Sargent will be in Queensland on Saturday with Group Two winner Luvaluva contesting the Gr.2 Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at the Gold Coast.

The four-year-old mare returns from a one-race campaign in New Zealand where she finished third in the Gr.1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha.

Meanwhile, Sargent believes there are more wins in store for another New Zealand arrival, High Shine, after an impressive win at Warwick Farm a fortnight ago. Known as Shine in NZ, the Gerry Harvey-owned daughter of Redwood won one of her three starts for Cody Cole before crossing the Tasman. "She will go to Scone for the stand alone meeting next Friday," Sargent said. "James McDonald wants to ride her."

- NZ Racing Desk