Ferguson Eyes Back-To-Back Oaks Wins
Trainer Terry Ferguson’s filly Sports Package went largely under the radar in the build up to last year’s WA Oaks (2536m) at Gloucester Park.
Despite drawing barrier one, she was only considered an each-way chance at best in the Group 1 feature.
When she got clear running, she stormed over the top of Double Expresso, who she let cross to the front in the early stages.
Fast forward 12 months and there’s some eerie similarities between Sports Package and Ferguson’s 2021 Oaks contender Bettor Beach Belle.
If everything goes according to plan, which it doesn’t always in racing, Bettor Beach Belle will be sitting behind the leader and race favourite Black Jack Baby in tomorrow night’s running of the time-honoured feature, where she has drawn barrier 10.
Bettor Beach Belle even rounded out her Oaks preparation with a win in the Country Oaks (2569m) at Bunbury, just as Sports Package did 12 months earlier.
Despite the similarities in how the race may unfold, Ferguson said Bettor Beach Belle may have to be even better than Sports Package if she’s to join her on the honour roll.
“I think Sports Package was a bit more advanced,” he told TABradio.
“She hasn’t got the point-to-point speed of Sports Package but she’s pretty tough and she can sit on a helmet and run on.
“We haven’t got to the bottom of this filly yet.
“Probably by the end of her three-year-old campaign we will have a better idea.
“She’s going to end up a nice tough mare.”
Bettor Beach Belle cause a minor upset in the Country Oaks, where she followed red-hot favourite Just For Love’s every move, before she wore her down in the home straight to score by a neck.
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The Bettors Delight filly only made her racetrack debut last May, when she finished second in a heat of the Diamond Classic and went on to run third to Always An Angel in the final.
Ferguson said despite not being as advanced as his winner last year, he was confident Bettor Beach Belle would acquit herself well.
“I think we’ve got her fairly spot on,” he said.
“We’re quite happy with her at the moment.
“It’s a good draw and I think we will get a nice run.
“It all depends on Black Jack Baby, if she doesn’t cop any pressure it’s hers to win.
“If there’s a bit of pressure on during the race and we’re able to get out, well we might be a big factor in the finish.”
Bettor Beach Belle has been supported from $15 to an $8 fourth favourite with TABtouch, with Black Jack Baby an easing $2.65 favourite.
Newsy ($3.90), Always An Angel ($6) and Royal Essence ($8.50) are the other runners in single figures.
Tim Walker
Image – Hamilton Content Creators