The IND Oaks – Grade II
 IND   Race #1   1 1/16m   Dirt   Graded Stake
Purse $200.000  For Fillies Three Years Old.

1 Halloween Candy, trained by Harrell Racing
One of the very few that broke her maiden in a graded stakes she took the Allaire Distaff
Stakes beating some very nice fillies and mares in the process. Although rare it wasnt a
complete surprise as she had finished a close fourth in the Gazelle in her previous start
so clearly has ability beyond a normal one race winner. She was tried on turf last time
and finished last so with that experiment over its is back to her preferred surface. The
only worry about this lightly raced filly is that her work times havent really progressed
since her big stakes runs but if she is on song she will be right in this.

2 Proud Bird, trained by Mb Stables
The winner of four from six she dead heated for a win in The Selene Stakes last time after
excellent money finishes in both the Fantasy and the SUN Oaks. Coming from a stable with a
vast majority of the sites best three year olds she looks a decent prospect from a handy draw.
3 Aldonza, trained by John Henry
The big spending new stable purchased this one for $230.000 from Heavens Own. Dead heating with
Proud Bird in The Selene she was then last in the Summertime Oaks from a wide draw. Its
difficult to weigh up her chances but she was working very well before her failure last time
so looks to have a similar chance to Proud Bird in this race.

4 Vervaera, trained by D J C Racing Stables
A consistent filly she has yet to break through at this level despite a very close second
in the grade three Old Hat Stakes back in January. She switches from sprinting to this route
trip for the first time in her career today in a move prompted by her claim last time out. Her
new trainer has clearly seen something at home so i will watch with interest rather than throw
money at her today.

5 Seventh league, trained by John Henry
Another runner from John Henry she has won five from six albeit from a much lower level. Winning
form is good form though so i dont blame te trainer from throwing her in here despite a sluggish
work a week ago.

6 Heart Nebulae, trained by Samlam
Ran a super race to be third in the SA Oaks, beaten just three quarters of a length by Minda.On that
effort she was made favourite for The Melair Stakes but could only finish second to Princess Legion.
She has been working well and must be a top three choice with a grade one placing to her name despite
a difficult draw.

7 Track Queen, trained by Heavens Own
After two sales for zero effort she finally came to Heavens Own Stable after a few fair efforts
in black type company. the new trainer quickly got her running straight and she took the grade two
Gazelle before a great run in the KY Oaks to dead heat for third. Handle a wide gate last time
out in The Acorn she could only finish eleventh highlighting once again how important a draw is here
at HRP and with another wide draw here it will be down to track bias, pace and a bit of luck as to
whether she can overcome it.

SUMMARY

This race really typifies HRP at the moment with the result relying on the effect of the wide gate
and the track bias. Track Queen and Heart Nebulae could fight it out if the wide gates are working here
and if that isnt the case it could be between Proud Bird and Aldonza. I havent got my crystal ball handy so
i have no idea which way it is going to go but i will go for Track Queen for the win today.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES