Wexford Stables loaded with talent for Ellerslie

Major targets for two and dress rehearsals for others add up to an intriguing day’s racing for a talent-packed Wexford Stables contingent at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott’s team is headed by Ohope Wins and Waitak, one the hot favourite for her elite racing debut in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and the other looking for more feature success in the Group 1 Ōtaki-Māori Weight-for-Age Classic (1600m).

Ohope Wins is one of three fillies entered for the New Zealand Oaks along with stablemates Acer and Clara Bow, while Yamato Satona and Genki make a double hand for the Group 2 Eagle Technology (2100m), and likewise L’Aigle Noir and Panther in the Group 3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m).

Dominant performances by Ohope Wins in the Group 2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) and the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Classic (2100m) at her last two starts have resulted in her being installed the favourite for both Saturday’s New Zealand Oaks and the New Zealand Derby (2400m), scheduled for Ellerslie on March 7. 

That form has also meant a change in ownership for the Ocean Park filly, who now sports the increasingly ubiquitous Yulong Investments colours, which will also be carried in Saturday’s classic by second favourite and fellow Ocean Park filly Autumn Glory.

While Ohope Wins is also highly rated for the New Zealand Derby, co-trainer Lance O’Sullivan is adamant that the current focus is this weekend’s assignment.

“As always we’re treating it as one race at a time,” he said on Tuesday. “Any consideration for a Derby start will only come after we’ve discussed that with her connections and not until after Saturday.

“We’re very happy with how she came through that last run at Te Rapa and everything has gone to plan since.”