Wyong based conditioner Kristen Buchanan knows how to train a Midway winner. When Oakfield Arrow ($11) saluted at Rosehill Gardens today it marked the sixth time she has won the race since it’s inception just over a year ago.
The Press Statement mare managed to hold off Noble Soldier ($16) by three quarters of a length, with race favourite and early leader Nictock ($6F) a further head back in third.
The five-year-old was given a peach of a ride by Ms Rachel King, who took full advantage of barrier two on a surface that was favouring those travelling on the fence.
After settling behind the leaders in the run, King extracted off the rails upon straightening to set out after Nictock and put them to the sword over the final stages.
After resuming with a solid fourth in a Rosehill Midway on July 2nd, Oakfield Arrow was a touch disappointing at Grafton during their carnival.
Speaking with Sky Racing’s Greg Radley after the race, Buchanan was full of praise for the steer of King.
“She got a lovely soft run just in behind the speed. Great ride by Rachel, can’t knock her,” Buchanan said.
“Really glad she bounced back, she was quite disappointing last start. Heavy tracks have been so hard to recover from, but big shout out to (owner) Bruce Mackenzie because he let me do what I need to do and give her three weeks between runs and look after her into this.
“Thank goodness we got a lovely track today.”
With the Midway prize money about to get another increase to $120,000 in the coming weeks, Buchanan was grateful for the initiative.
“They are a terrific race series for us, it’s really helped lift our profile and get plenty more opportunities for the stable which is what it’s all about,” Buchanan said.
“We’ve got 45 horses in work which is a step up, but it’s working really smoothly and I’ve got a great crew.”
Jockey King knew she had a bit in hand and was confident during the run.
“She travelled super, she probably took a little bit of time to work through her gears when she did get that bit of space,” King said.
“I drew that lovely gate and she could just take a sit today and let her relax a little bit through the run.
“She was definitely strong on the line, that was probably the best part of the race.”
