South Australian trainer Robyn Mackellar has travelled thousands of kilometres with her greyhound Fabregal over the past two months, and the duo could be rewarded by taking out the Group 2 WA Oaks (race five, 520m) at Cannington on Saturday night.
Fabregal, who is based in South Australia at Mackellar’s kennels, took out the Queensland Futurity in April and travelled to Perth last week to take part in the heats of the WA Oaks.
Having her first look at the track, Fabregal finished second to Marydoll in a 30.45 run, and Mackellar thinks she will benefit from that run.
“Other commitments had prevented me from giving her a trial at the track before last week, so given it was her first look at the track I was really pleased with her effort,” Mackellar said.
“She went as well as could be hoped and I’m sure she will improve now she’s had the run there.
“She’s also closer down to the rails (in box three) where she likes to be which will give her a good chance to lead or slot right in behind the other good beginners.”
Fabregal has had one career start from box three for one win and on paper looks the pick in the WA Oaks, but Mackellar is not celebrating just yet.
“Nothing is ever handed to you on a silver platter and she will have to bring her A-game and work for it,” Mackellar said.
“The QLD Futurity was her first big race experience and it was a test for her to see how she would handle the travel and occasion.
“She obviously did really well and I think that experience will help her here.”
Mackellar believes Milly Keeping in box one is the biggest danger to Faregal.
“Milly Keeping has drawn a good box and she was really quick early in her heat. I think she could be tough to beat.
“Marydoll who we ran second to last week was also very impressive and began really well too. If she does the same this week, she could be dangerous.”
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