Hickmott backs Fringes’ Oaks credentials

In a G1 Queensland Oaks field with a long tail on paper, Michael Hickmott sees no reason G3 SA Fillies’ Classic winner Fringescan’t run a big race at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The Kiwi import took a couple of runs to find her feet in Australia but has won her past two starts up in trip with the addition of blinkers, the most recent at Group Three level despite being held up for much of the straight.

“I think she’s a filly that has continued to improve,” Hickmott said.

“We were reluctant to go at her too quickly when she first came to South Australia and realistically her first two runs were building races.

“We put the blinkers on her in her next two starts and stepped her up in trip, and she couldn’t have done anymore in either of those races.

“She’s a three-year-old once. She’s happy, she’s healthy and there’s no reason not to press ahead.”

Fringes will sport Dynamic Syndications’ red and white colours for the first time on Saturday, with the prominent ownership group purchasing a 50 percent stake in the daughter of Niagara from owner-breeder Trish Dunell after her Group Three success.

Hickmott feels his filly would be shorter than her current $41 quote if the Eagle Farm surface was softer, but in a field with no shortage of triple-figure chances, he is still slightly bullish on Fringes’ chances.

Sydney hoop Tim Clark will take the reins.