New Zealand Oaks winner set for another classic performance
The Chris Waller Racing team has been buoyed by the feedback from champion hoop James McDonald as Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park) strives to bounce back from a last start defeat and add the Australian Oaks to her New Zealand classic triumph.
Starting a short-priced favourite at her local debut in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), Ohope Wins was widely expected to prove a class above her rivals despite having had five weeks between runs and dropping 400m in journey.
But while she presented at the top of the straight, she was unable to reel in the leaders, finishing fourth, and given the weight of expectation the result was disappointing.
Waller's assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, doesn't think that will be the case in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
"James (McDonald) galloped her (on Tuesday) morning and said she feels more switched on, like a better horse today than when he rode her in the race," Duckworth said.
"I don't know whether it's a case of the way we train, or things change, but up to the distance I think she will justify the hype she had prior to her run in the Vinery, because they all thought she was just about unbeatable."
Punters are also keeping faith in the filly to rebound with Ohope Wins a $2.40 favourite, ahead of Saturday's impressive Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) victor Profoundly (Farnan) at $3.50.
Waller has won the Australian Oaks four times, most recently with Hungry Heart (Frankel) in 2021.
