Clarry Conners Crown Oaks winning filly Dear Demi has pleased in a barrier trial this week ahead of her autumn return where she could vie for a Group 1 double after the Randwick Guineas 2013 was named as a possible lead-up to the Australian Oaks at the end of April.
Crown Oaks winner Dear Demi could vie for the Randwick Guineas - ATC Oaks 2013 double this autumn
The daughter of Dehere has won four of her 15 career starts to date most notable taking out the Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival last spring.
She has also run top three in three other elite level features and is on track for another stellar preparation targeting a number of Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival majors.
Due to kick off in the $175,000 Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm on February 16, Dear Demi’s main aim this time in is to become a dual Oaks champ with connections eyeing off the $550,000 Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Royal Randwick on Doncaster Day, April 20.
On way to the 2013 ATC Australian Oaks Conners said Dear Demi may get an earlier chance of adding another Group 1 trophy to her record in the $500,000 Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on March 16.
“She will just have the one trial and go to the Light Fingers on the 16th, then the (Group 2) Surround (Stakes over 1400m at Warwick Farm) three weeks later,” Conners said.
“After that we’ll see about the Randwick Guineas as we head to the Oaks
Conners had a number of his autumn hopes trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning including 2010 Golden Slipper runner-up Decision Time who won their 800m hitout, smart Flying Spur mare Satin Shoes who was also a winner over 800m and Dear Demi who finished third behind Brave Soul in the 12th trial of the morning.
“They all trialled well and the track was amazing after all the rain we’ve had,” Conners said.
“Dear Demi went really nicely,” he said.
While plans for Dear Demi are set Conners is having a harder time deciding where to go with the others in his autumn contingent with the $1 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on March 9 a possibility for Satin Shoes.
Current Newmarket Handicap odds are led by doubtful acceptor Black Caviar at $2.80 who would be weighted out of contention for the Melbourne Festival of Racing feature while Satin Shoes is a $101 roughie for the feature.
Stay tuned to Races.com.au for more on all the autumn majors remembering to head along to bookmaker.com.au and sign-up with the country’s premier online bookie to access the season’s hottest horse racing odds.
