Ambience Looks For Classic Success In Oaks

Time/Date - 14.40hrs local time/Thursday, November 5, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Flemington/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/2500m

A classic victory is on offer for the classy filly Ambience who backs up from her outstanding victory of last Saturday when she runs in the G1, 2500m VRC Oaks at Flemington on Thursday, November 5.

Ambience (John O'Shea/James McDonald) earned her place in Thursday's field with a consummate victory in the traditional Oaks lead-up, the G2 Wakeful Stakes at Flemington.

O'Shea declared after that race he would only run the daughter of Street Cry if she made a complete recovery and satisfied himself and his team that she would cope with the quick return to the track.

"She did all that, she came through Saturday's race very well and has done well over the weekend," he said.

"If there was any doubt, she wouldn't run."

Ambience revealed herself as a high-quality filly with an impressive victory at Randwick last month before finishing third in G3 company at Caulfield in her first Melbourne appearance.

That was only her fifth run and last Saturday at Flemington she took her record to three wins and three placings from her only six starts.

"Obviously she's a filly with a lot of class who is already quite valuable," O'Shea said.

"She's stepping up in distance in the Oaks, but she's bred to run the trip. Her mother was quite stout and she's by Street Cry, so she shouldn't have any trouble."

O'Shea said Ambience had gained a lot of experience in a short time and it all came together last Saturday.

"Things didn't go right for her at Caulfield two weeks ago, she got on the wrong leg," he said.

"But she learned from it and found the rail to guide her at Flemington and showed us what she can do."

Jockey James McDonald agreed with O'Shea's views on Ambience's ability to run a strong 2500m.

"She relaxes so well, it's one of her greatest assets," McDonald said after Saturday's race.

"And she's also got fantastic acceleration. I don't think she'll have any trouble with another 500m."

The pair have drawn barrier 10 in the 12-horse field and will have their main danger Sacred Eye alongside them in the gates.

Another of the better prospects, Jameka, is drawn one gate closer to the inside in barrier eight.