Wet track no concern for NZ Oaks hopeful The Dirty Dee

Group 1 hope The Dirty Dee will spearhead a strong team at Trentham for Robbie Patterson and unlike a number of trainers, he’s unconcerned about the prospect of rain-affected ground on Saturday.

The New Plymouth conditioner is bullish about the chances of his daughter of Derryn in the Group 3 NZB Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) as she works her way toward the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie.

“A wet track definitely won’t worry her, and I gave her a good jump-out on Monday and she found the line really strongly and pulled up well,” Patterson said.

The Dirty Dee was an impressive debut winner on her home track before she finished runner-up at Trentham in early December.

“She was just unlucky and got a knock that cost her winning and she’s done nothing wrong, that’s for sure,” Patterson said.

Safely through this weekend, the filly will make her next appearance in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2100m) on February 7.

“She’ll go to Te Rapa and then on to the Oaks, that’s the plan and I may even trial her right-handedwhich would be ideal ahead of Ellerslie,” Patterson said.