David Jolly will be hoping for a change of fortune when he returns to Melbourne chasing a Group 1 upset in Saturday’s Oakleigh Plate with underrated sprinter Streetcar Stranger.
The Goolwa horseman was forced to abandon the All-Star Mile campaign of Behemoth last week after he pulled-up with an issue following the Group 1 C F Orr Stakes.
In contrast, Streetcar Stranger returns following a last-start Caulfield win in the Listed W J Adams on Australian Day.
Jolly has been on the verge of Oakleigh Plate success twice.
Tramuntana finished third behind Weekend Hussler in the 2008 edition, while Arinos was narrowly beaten by Starspangledbanner at $51 in 2010.
Jolly has in-form Adelaide hoop Paul Gatt heading to Melbourne in search of Group 1 success.
Gatt, who recently rode his 1600th winner, has been in superb form landing three wins from his past seven rides in combination with Jolly and said Streetcar Stranger went into the race better credentialled then Jolly’s previous two near misses in the race.
“He’s going well,’’ Gatt said.
“(Tramuntana and Arinos) both ran a drum in the race, and I think he’s a better horse than them, so I hope we can go one better,’’ he said.
Gatt himself had a near miss in the race running third on $51 outside Smart Ace in 2002.
“The Oakleigh Plate can always through up a rough chance, hopefully we’re that rough chance,’’ Gatt said.
Streetcar Stranger faces the outside barrier and is marked a $41 chance with tab.com.au.
