History Helps Stanley's Oaks Quest

rwwa.com.au

03 October 2023

Soho Seraphine. Phot Credit- Stuart McCormick

MICK Stanley admits a lesson from the past has helped shape his quest to win Friday night’s $150,000 Group 1 WA Oaks at Gloucester Park.

The Victorian trainer took former brilliant filly Soho Burning Love across for the same race five years ago, but she ran well below her best when 10th to Our Major Mama.

“She was a highly-strung filly, who didn’t really handle the trip and we didn’t give her a start there (WA) before the Oaks either,” he said.

“We’ve had this trip in mind with Soho Seraphine since she ran second in the NSW Oaks back in February because she’s the right sort of filly.

“I also wanted to give her a run there beforehand, which we should have done with Soho Burning Love.”

Stanley’s father, Ian, took Soho Seraphine across early so she could have that “warm-up” run at Gloucester Park last week.

The result was an easy win, which boosted the confidence of the filly and her connections.

Kyle Harper took the reins and returned with a glowing report after the daughter of Betting Line cruised home by 10.9m.

“It was perfect. Kyle told Dad she did it really well and she handled the track like she was going around Melton,” Stanley said.

Stanley heads across Friday to take the reins himself, but his task has been made much harder with a back row draw (gate 11).

“We’re used to bad draws. She just never seems to get a good one in these big races,” Stanley said.

That’s no exaggeration. Soho Seraphine has drawn awfully in her past three Group 1 races, but still finished fourth, second and third.

Most recently, she came from the back row when fourth in the Group 1 Vicbred final on September 16.

Before that she had barrier 10 (outside the front) when second in the NSW Oaks, which followed coming from the back row again when third in the Vicbred 2YO final at the end of last year.

“What all that’s shown us is that she’s tough and versatile,” Stanley said.

“She’s sat outside fillies like Joyful and Sweet Bella recently and only been beaten two, three or four metres and in quick times.

“She can do work and still be right there at the finish.

“Sure, we’d have loved a better draw, especially off the front, but she’s still right in this race, I’m sure.”

Stanley admits the possibility of winning a major race in Perth for leviathan local owner-breeder Rob Watson would be special.

“Oh, absolutely. Rob’s been a great supporter and this is something we’ve had planned for a while,” he said

Soho Seraphine will return home with Stanley after the Oaks.

Then Stanley’s attention switches to Saturday week’s Group 1 Victoria Cup at Melton.
His stable star Rock N Roll Doo is chasing back-to-back wins in the race they call the Cox Plate of harness racing.

“He’s awesome, right where I want him,” Stanley said.

“He’s had four runs back and hit the line really well at Kilmore last week in a race that wasn’t run to suit. Hopefully we can get a front row draw with him.”

Adam Hamilton

October 3, 2023