The Central Districts horseman elected to bypass Group One races at Te Rapa over 1400m and 2000m respectively, meaning it has been more than a month between runs for Shadows Cast.
"The 1400m would have been a bit sharp for him and we didn't want to step up to 2000m at that stage, so we decided to sit and wait for this race here," Oulaghan said.
"I am comfortable with the gap between runs. He has done that in the past and been okay and just taking a line through that, I don't think he is far off the mark."
Shadows Cast will be re-united with Johnathan Parkes, who missed the Thorndon Mile ride after committing to Darscape Princess, but has enjoyed Group race success on the gelding previously.
While Oulaghan is pleased to have a quality rider engaged, he, like many, is miffed by the clash of race meetings at Matamata and Otaki which both feature Group races and splits the pool of premier riding talent.
"It's a Group One race at Otaki on Saturday, but it's not a Premier meeting, which I find a bit surprising," he said. "You'd think they would just unite a bit better and work something out."
Shadows Cast has drawn well in barrier five and is likely to be ridden forward once again.
"Over a mile, if he can cruise along quite handy, he seems to be quite happy and I think from barrier five he will be just off them," Oulaghan said. – NZ Racing Desk
