09 July 2015
by Chris Barsby
During the past decade, only two local fillies have repelled the raiders to claim the Queensland Oaks.
And they weren’t just any fillies.
Outstanding mare Forever Gold was the most recent following her triumph in 2011 while All Promises scored back in 2007, one of three Oaks titles she claimed that season.
All Promises was prepared by husband and wife team of Shannon Price and Scott Miller.
This year, the astute couple have a dual-pronged attack heading into the Gr.1 $100,000 Greg & Sharon Mitchell Queensland Oaks at Albion Park on Saturday night.
Bettor Promise and Bettorthanspecial will sport the black and red livery.
And both fillies boast excellent claims.
“We’re hopeful that both fillies will perform at their high level again this weekend; this has obviously been a major target all season long and they’re fit and in-form so we’ve got a chance. Their preparation has been really solid so we can’t make any excuses for either of them prior to Saturday night, they’re ready to go.” Co-trainer Miller said.
The two fillies fought out the finish of the $20,000 Rising Stars Championship Final last weekend with Bettorthanspecial edging out Bettor Promise in a mile rate of 1;54.3 for the 1660m event.
It was the seventh time the two fillies have finished one/two under race conditions.
“We were thrilled with the way both fillies performed last week and both have come through that race in very good shape, it just topped them off for the Oaks this weekend so it’s all systems go. We’ve got handy front-line draws and both should find spots fairly quickly.
“It’s a very strong field headed up by the two New Zealand fillies, they’ve looked very good in their Brisbane starts to date and loom as the hardest to beat. I’m expecting a genuine speed and that should suit both of our fillies, their efforts in the Gold Coast Oaks recently proved we’re close to them.
“Bettor Promise is a good staying type of filly while Bettorthanspecial is a very capable sit/sprint type, they both have strong records and the distance is ideal for both. Like most, we just need that little bit of luck going our way but I think they’re both good enough to take it.”
Win, lose or draw this weekend, both fillies are expected to tackle the Gr.3 $30,000 Redcliffe Oaks on August 1 before heading to well-earned break.
Both fillies have won seven races this season including several features.
Bettor Promise claimed the Gr.1 $100,000 QBRED Triad Final on May 30 at Albion Park defeating her stablemate.
Hoofnote; All Promises, a winner of the Queensland, Redcliffe and Australian Oaks is the older half-sister to Bettor Promise.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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