Donna Logan can't fault Rising Romance's condition ahead of Saturday's $A1
million Australian Oaks and can now only hope that the filly handles the
Randwick track. "That's my biggest concern, it's pretty water-logged and showers are forecast right through to Friday so I can't see it getting any better," she said.
"I'm thrilled to bits with my horse and she's travelled well, eaten and settled in beautifully and is happy and bright. She came out of her Vinery run (for 4th) in great shape.
"I can't do any more and it remains to be seen whether she can cope – it will be the survival of the fittest."
Rising Romance did give cause for encouragement at a wet Randwick in Tuesday morning when she worked over a round and clocked 37s for her final 600 metres.
"She had her ears pricked at the finish, although she wasn't under any pressure," Logan said.
John Sargent has confirmed he will make a late entry payment for Miss Mossman for Saturday's Oaks.
The trans-Tasman trainer said the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks winner had been treated for a respiratory infection since failing in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes on April 5.
Miss Mossman has been scoped since being treated and there were no on-going issues with the filly.
Sargent said he will be taking the blinkers off and he will be instructing her rider to take up a more forward position. – NZ Racing Desk
