Latest News

By Ray Hickson

In an ideal world, trainer John O’Shea would probably swap the barriers his talented mares Le Gai Soleil and Fashchanel have drawn in Saturday’s Group 3 $200,000 Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone.

But he says the draws aren’t going to harm either mare’s chances.

O’Shea has won the race twice, most recently a year ago with Rocha Clock who overcame gate 14 to win, and he can certainly see a positive in Fashchanel’s ‘car park’ marble.

“I don’t think outside barriers are that much of a detriment at Scone,’’ he said.

“It looks to be a similar tempo race to the other day (at Hawkesbury) except we’ve drawn outside Exotic Ruby which is better for us.

“The other day Rachel (King) dictated to us where we’ll be able to dictate to her this week.

“I probably would have liked to have Le Gai Soleil draw a little further out to be honest but hopefully Kerrin (McEvoy) can get her to the outside. She doesn’t like to be cluttered up at all.”

Fashchanel was game in defeat first-up in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m), finishing a close third behind Exotic Ruby, and O’Shea felt she was just caught short with fitness on a heavy track.

Fashchanel runs third at Hawkesbury on April 30

“I thought had she had a run previously she would probably have got the job done,’’ he said.

“She’s had a run under her belt now and has come on nicely.”

Le Gai Soleil has been targeted at the Dark Jewel with O’Shea keen to take advantage of her first-up record and the wide open spaces of Scone.

The five-year-old has won four of her five first-up attempts, with her only defeat coming on debut, and she’s shown in her two lead-up trials she’s on song to enhance that record.

“I think her trials have been good. We just keep her fresh and she seems to appreciate that,’’ he said.

Fashchanel was a $10 chance with TAB on Thursday while Le Gai Soleil headed betting at $5.50.

It’s a belated start to Lady Harlem’s ‘autumn’ campaign after a setback cost her a shot at qualifying for the Golden Slipper and O’Shea is looking forward to seeing her return.

The two-year-old made her debut back in October running second to subsequent Kindergarten Stakes winner Semillon at Moonee Valley.

She trialled twice earlier this year but then didn’t reappear until May 2 when she scored in a heat at Randwick.

“We were getting ready for the Slipper and she got crook so had to have a bit of time off,’’ he said.

“She’s a nice filly and has had a good foundation. I would have loved to have got a run or another trial into her but the race is there and she can be competitive.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Scone meeting