Elate is classy, but is backing up in the Oaks tomorrow at Trentham after a heart fibriilation last start. Photo / Peter Rubery
Elate is classy, but is backing up in the Oaks tomorrow at Trentham after a heart fibriilation last start. Photo / Peter Rubery
Iain Hyndman's Trentham Tips 1: Power O'Hata, Sweetstakes, Henree Winkler 2: Equinox, In Fashion, Alter Boy 3: Special Light, Sampson, Soleseifei 4: Overthetop, Neeson, Ficticious 5: Concert Hall, Livin' On A Prayer, Brimm 6: Vigor Winner, Dawn Patrol, Cyber Attack 7: Princess Kereru, Sasso Corbaro, Signify 8: Rubira, Pinmedown, Elate 9: Kapinos, Deefield, Lincoln Sky Best Bet: Princess Kereru (R7)
Promising three-year-old filly Elate suffered a heart fibrillation in the Gr.3 McKee Family Sunline Vase (2100m) last start, causing concern for her connections leading into Saturday's Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m).
The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained filly was heading into the race off the back of victory in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth last month and looked a major threat in the running before fading late.
"She had a heart fibrillation last start," Wellwood said. "In that regard we have just got to rule a line through that race.
"Troy (Harris, jockey) said she felt super in the running and travelled up very nicely. He was really happy, but unfortunately she did have a heart fibrillation.
"It's not ideal heading into the New Zealand Oaks having that, but we do know that horses can bounce back extremely well their next run.
"We have got to forget that run and head on with some form of confidence. She's well, she converted back to her normal heart-rate the next morning. She looks in super order," Wellwood said.
"It does give you a bit of uncertainty doing it the run before, but we are pretty happy where we are at with her."
In the meantime, there won't be a dry eye in the house if longshot Beyond The Fort should make in three from three in the Oaks.
Trained by Auckland Cup-winning educator Bill Thurlow at Waverley, the Niagara filly was bred and raced by the late Ray Stevens who passed away the day she won her second race.
It is well documented that Stevens named his filly in memory of son Justin who died in tragic circumstances some 15 months ago.
Both he and his dad called their Whanganui home 'The Fort'.
She is potentially the best Stevens has bred and raced, but sadly he is no longer around to enjoy the ride. – NZ Racing Desk
