Durrant Dreaming Of Oaks Victory
Adam Durrant’s notable racing resume features 101 black-type wins, but that impressive list of achievements does not include a WA Oaks (2400m).
That surprising anomaly stands a top chance of being broken on Saturday with the in-form trainer optimistic he can win the race for the first time.
Durrant can breakthrough and end the drought with Constant Dreaming, who since being beaten at Geraldton last month has struck timely form.
The Blackfriars filly won the Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) and stamped her Oaks credentials and cemented favouritism with victory in the Natasha Stakes (2200m).
Durrant says Constant Dreaming has the form and staying pedigree to win the City Of Belmont-WA Oaks.
“She certainly has got the right form in the lead ups and she’s being doing it while building fitness,” Durrant told Tabradio.
“She’s got good black type staying pedigree on both sides of the family, so she ticks a few boxes.
“I did like what I saw last-start and especially the last 200m, I thought it was really strong.
“If anything, she was pulling away from them on the line with the extra weight.
“She meets them equal at the weights and I think she’ll be right in there.
“There’s always worries when you go into these type of races, but I’m confident I’ve got the right horse to do it.”
Constant Dreaming has drawn barrier four and will be ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter.
Tabtouch currently rates Constant Dreaming a $2 chance, ahead of second elect, Mrs America ($4.80) and Natasha Stakes runner-up, Feels Danish ($8).
Durrant hopes the Oaks will be run at a more genuine tempo than the Natasha Stakes.
“She led for the first half the other day and wasn’t comfortable there,” Durrant said.
“Hopefully there are a few others who want to make it a genuine test.
“That’s our hope, Clint will work it out.
“He’s riding in great fashion and won’t need too many instructions.”
Earlier in the Schweppes-Melvista Stakes for the three-year-old boys, Durrant will saddle up Henchard and Disengo.
He expects both gallopers to improve stepping up in distance to 2200m.
Henchard goes into the race running consecutive thirds behind Trix Of The Trade and Rokanori in the Lex Piper Stakes (1600m) and J.C.Roberts Stakes (1800m) respectively.
Disengo elevates to black-type company after a last-start third to Lautre over 1800m at Ascot.
Tabtouch has Henchard at $9 and Disengo $41.
Julio Santarelli