Andrew Forsman will attempt to recreate the performance of a former stable star with his trio of fillies in this Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.
Forsman, formerly training in partnership with Murray Baker, prepared sensational dual-Horse Of The Year Bonneval to win the iconic fillies’ classic in 2017, and his three-pronged attack in this year’s edition is headed by last-start Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) victor Positivity.
The Almanzor filly overcame the extreme outside barrier under Masa Hashizume in the Ellerslie feature to score gamely, over race-rival and current Oaks favourite Qali Al Farrasha, giving Forsman confidence to journey south a fortnight later.
“Going into the Sunline Vase, we were happy with her, but we didn’t know whether it may be the end of the road for her there,” Forsman said.
“It was great to see how well she went through the line, and also how well she’s come through the run.”
An in-form Hashizume will take the ride on Saturday from a more preferred draw (3), where Forsman hopes to see Positivity gain an economical trip over the 2400m.
“She’s drawn poorly her last couple of starts and had a fair bit to do, so it will be nice to see her jump and put herself into the race from a good draw,” he said.
“She won’t have to do the work early that she’s had to do, and I think that will suit over 2400m.”
Lightly-tried maiden filly Moonlight Magic earned her place in Saturday’s 16-horse field with a strong third-placed effort in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) on February 3, which preceded a fifth placing in the Vase.
“She was really good in the Prelude on a rain-affected track, which she obviously enjoys,” Forsman said.
“In a muddling-run race, she got in a tricky spot in the Vase and made her run possibly a bit too early and peaked late. But I think she’ll be a horse that’s right on song for the Oaks now.
“I think from that draw (13) we’ll have to ride her patiently, but 2400m is a long way to go, and if Joe (Doyle, jockey) can be as patient as possible, she’ll be hitting the line well.”
Forsman has engaged leading Central Districts apprentice Lily Sutherland with the ride aboard Vespa filly Wren, who will have her fifth raceday appearance when jumping from barrier two.
“She’s a horse on the way up, she’s improving but it’ll be whether she’s up to this level just yet,” Forsman said.
“I think she’ll be a filly that gets better with racing over time, but her run was encouraging (fifth) in the Lowland (Gr.2, 2100m), and she’s drawn to get a soft run in the race. She’s a horse that has every chance of running out the 2400m.”