John Chapman is hoping unlucky She Oaks can recapture her city class form with a deserving victory at Bathurst today.
She Oaks has her first start in almost five months when she jumps from box two in the Ladbrokes Monthly Medal Stakes (race five, 307m).
She scored five victories from nine starts before injuring a stopper bone in June, with her return further delayed after she came on season.
Chapman has given his greyhound, who has won both her previous visits to Bathurst, a couple of preparatory trials and believes she is a decent chance here.
“I’m rapt that she’s back,” he said.
“She’s had plenty of time off but I’ve given her a couple of hitouts and she’s looked pretty good. She should be fresh for this which is a bonus. I expect her to come out cleanly and take control of the race.”
She Oaks’ record includes wins at Gosford and Bulli and she can certainly count on plenty of support at Bathurst today.
“There’s ten or so people involved in the syndicate (of owners) and they’ll all be cheering her on today,” Chapman said.
“I honestly think she can be the surprise packet from the litter. She definitely has ability and I think the 520m eventually will be a walk in the park for her.
“She’s a run or two off her peak but she can be more than competitive here.”
In other racing at Bathurst, kennelmates Irinka Alf and Irinka Tyson look like good chances to score victories in races four and six respectively.
Irinka Alf (box four) was unsuccessful last start at Wentworth Park but won three of his five previous starts and has won multiple times at Bathurst.
Irinka Tyson (box one), meanwhile, has won three of his last five, including an impressive 25.74 win
Newcomer Molly Maze has improved with her last two starts and looks capable of saluting when she jumps from box one in race 10 (450m).
After two unsuccessful starts at Lithgow, she won well over the 450m at Bathurst on October 26 before placing at Richmond over the 400m on November 7.
For Bathurst Monday fields, form and expert picks, click here.
