By Ray Hickson
Trainer Jason Attard has the sense he’s been handed a progressive filly in the shape of Oui Oui Oui and he’s hopeful she can underline that promise at Rosehill on Saturday.
Trainer Jason Attard (Pic: Bradley Photos).
He’s already exposed the daughter of TAB Everest winner Yes Yes Yes, as the name suggests, to Group 3 level and after an easy home track win she’s set to step up again in the Racing And Sports Handicap (1400m).
Oui Oui Oui was given to the Hawkesbury trainer by long time supporter Kate Nivison, under Etak Thoroughbreds, when the filly didn’t sell at the sales and he was rapt with her from the moment she walked into his stable.
“She was broken in at Coolmore and as soon as she came down and had her first prep I really liked her,’’ Attard said.
“I ride my own work and she gives me a really great feel, she eats really well, she’s a reasonably sound horse and has a great attitude. She’s just a professional to train.
“I think we will see the best of her next prep, there’s still more improvement with more exposure and experience.”
On the back of her maiden win in mid-April, Attard asked Oui Oui Oui to take on the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) and while she started $51 she caught everyone’s eye with her midfield finish.
After turning near last, the filly hit the line to be beaten four lengths by Media World in eighth place.
“It worked out well distance wise and timing wise, it was a throw at the stumps but it was at home and obviously I think she has enough ability to be in that type of race,’’ he said.
“She didn’t disgrace herself and she held her own.”
That run resulted in her jumping $1.35 in a 1400m Class 1 a couple of weeks ago, again at home, after Attard elected not to run her on the very heavy Randwick track the previous weekend.
And while her inexperience still showed it was a relatively easy watch for the trainer.
“It was bottomless at Randwick that day I pulled the pin, it was a big factor,’’ he said.
“She was probably a bit closer than what I intended her to be (last start) but from barrier one she bounced and Tom (Sherry) elected to hold a spot and she raced well.
“She’s still learning, she hit the front and got a bit wayward there so she’s still a little bit green.”
Attard said an improving track at Rosehill will be right in his filly’s favour and with just 53.5kg he’d like to see Oui Oui Oui, $6.50 with TAB on Wednesday, make use of the turn of foot she’s showing.
Winona Costin takes the ride on Saturday and he said the draw should allow her to play to that strength.
Oui Oui Oui wins at Hawkesbury on May 27
“Obviously it depends on speed and how the race pans out but I’d imagine she’d be midfield and we’re just looking for her to finish off like she can,’’ he said.
“She may have one more after this if she goes really well but we’ll make that plan after Saturday.”
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Rosehill meeting