John Sargent has declared his intention to have Gin Martini ridden more conservatively in the Queensland Oaks as he bids to win the fillies’ classic for a second time.
The ATC Australian Oaks placegetter has raced on the speed at her past three starts and while she has been performing admirably, she has lacked a knockout punch at the finish.
Sargent is hoping a quieter ride will give her the edge she has lacked.
“We are going to ride her a little bit colder,” Sargent said.
“She has hit the front a couple of times at her last couple of starts, so we are going to conserve her up a bit more to get at them a bit later and try to gain a length or two.
“We will let the first wave go from the jump and get in behind them.
“She is fit and well and we know she can get the distance.”
Gin Martini made the running in the Australian Oaks (2400m) and held on gamely for third, then was similarly prominent in both the Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) and The Roses (2100m), finishing fourth both times.
Her formlines are remarkably similar to those of Sargent’s previous Queensland Oaks winner Quintessential, who finished third in the New Zealand Oaks and fourth in The Roses before capturing the Group 1 in 2012.
Sargent also has second emergency Nyota and needs one more scratching to see her elevated into the field.
The filly has won her past two starts at Hawkesbury and while Saturday will be a class test, Sargent is adamant Nyota is up to it.
“She goes up tonight (Wednesday) so let’s hope she gets in because I think she is a dead-set stayer on the way up,” he said.
“She will be up on speed, she either leads or is in the first two or three, and she stays all day.
“I think she is a very good chance if she gets in.”
No jockey has been declared for Nyota, while Gin Martini will be ridden by regular partner Robbie Dolan.