She’s got a wonderful filly herself, but Debbie Quinlan can’t help but adore the main rival to Sahara Breeze’s chances in tonight’s Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Oaks.
The Drouin West horsewoman, who trains in partnership with husband Gary, predicts greatness for the Emma Stewart-prepared Major Delight, who will run favourite in the Group 1 classic despite her gate 10 draw.
She spearheads a five-pronged Stewart attack on the race, with stablemates Joyful, Sweet Bella, Perfect In Pink and Elysian Jay also in the field of 12.
“We don’t think there’s much between a lot of the others in the race,” Quinlan, 64, said.
“There’s only barrier draws between every other horse bar Major Delight.
“She’s a horse like a Tailamade Lombo and Blossom Lady. Maybe the draws have evened it up a bit, but she’s got that bit of brilliance about her.”
Despite all the respect shown by Quinlan to Major Delight, her filly remains well-fancied to land a second Group 1 success for champion reinsman Chris Alford.
Alford will be at the controls from barrier one, with Sahara Breeze a $3.30 chance following her runner-up placing to First Dance in last weekend’s first Oaks heat.
TUNE IN at MELTON on Saturday
First Race: 6.07pm Last Race: 10.40pm
Racecaller: Dan Mielicki with Ryan Phelan, Adan Hamilton, Michael Guerin, Gareth Hall and Bronte Nieuwenburg part of the full coverage at TrotsVision.com.au and on Racing.com’s free-to-air channels 78 and 68, while Brittany Graham will be on track for Sky Racing.
TrotsVision: WATCH LIVE
SEN Track: LISTEN LIVE
RSN 927: LISTEN LIVE
Winner of the Week
OUR ROKU, by Downbytheseaside out of Shes Norma Jeane, a winner at Cranbourne on October 8.
Breed your next winner with Woodlands Stud, supporter of Trots Centre
