Strathalbyn trainer Shane Oxlade can’t deny he has had to pinch himself heading into Saturday’s $750,000 Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) with two live chances.
Oxlade and daughter Cassie have Sghirripa (Craig Newitt) and unheralded stablemate Queman (Harry Coffey) taking on the Caulfield sprint feature, both on the back of impressive last start Melbourne wins.
“It’s unbelievable really,’’ Oxlade said.
“We generally have a dozen horses in work.
“To have two horses in a Group 1 in Melbourne, and realistically both with chances, it’s great,’’ he said.
Both horses return interstate fresh, Sghirripa (who has won seven of 14 starts) having won the Group 3 Standish at Flemington last time out while Queman (who has won eight of his 20) comes off a Caulfield win in the Listed W J Adams on Australia Day.
“They have both done well since they’ve last raced,’’ Oxlade said.
“They had a good gallop Saturday morning and touch wood everything is on track,’’ he said.
Last-start winners is about where the similarities end for the unique South Australian duo.
Sghirripa a well mannered horse who has always shown the attributes required to be an above average galloper, while Queman, a handful who tested the patience of owner Francis Smith and Oxlade in his early days.
“I don’t think they’ve got mates, either of them, they like to be on their own,’’ Oxlade said.
“Everything has always been easy for him (Sghirripa).
“He’s got the right attitude to be a good horse, he likes to be by himself, but he’s a pleasant horse.
“He does a lot of the things that good horses do.
“(Queman) can be a rude bugger, he’s not the nicest horse to deal with, but he has grown up a little bit now he’s 12 months older,’’ he said.
Oxlade said it would be interesting to see what could eventuate should they grab success at Group 1 level on such a big day in Melbourne.
“Sometimes you do wonder,’’ Oxlade said.
“Most people a set where (in stables) they are but it would be amazing if we’re lucky enough to win one, it’s what you get out of bed for,’’ he said.
And sharing the moment with daughter Cassie has been nothing short of brilliant for the family stable.
“Since she’s been in the book things have taken off….. Perhaps I should have done it a few years ago,’’ he said.
