Australasian Oaks ambitions for Tear Gas

Danny O’Brien has Australasian Oaks ambitions for Tear Gas, an impressive winner of yesterday’s Schweppes Handicap at Sportingbet Park.

O’Brien said the High Chaparral-filly, who finished last behind Kirramosa in the Crown Oaks last spring, was more mature now and that generally tends to happen with the breed.

Tear Gas will start in the Auraria Stakes (1800 m) at Morphettville on April 12 then head towards the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000 m) at the same track a fortnight later.

“With the real speed it became a test of stamina and that’s what we think this filly’s strengths are,” O’Brien said.

“She really joined in and stayed the trip, it was a super impressive performance.”

Tear Gas, the $4.80 favorite, ridden by Craig Williams, who replaced Chad Schofield who is with his family in Singapore, scored by three-and-a-quarter lengths from Lady Tatia, $7.50, with a long neck to Zazparella, $10, third.

O’Brien said Shamus Award is now in the paddock after her Rosehill Guineas failure when he was pressured for much of the first 1000 metres by NZ Derby winner Puccini, whose saddle slipped.

“Obviously, it wasn’t what we wanted, but Craig (Williams) sat up on him in the last furlong after what had happened,” O’Brien said.

“He will the opportunity now to have a six to eight week spell, which is two to three more weeks had he kept going in Sydney.

“Hopefully, that will be a bonus for him in the spring.”

Story by Adrian Dunn, to view full Racing Network story click here

Photo by Slickpix, to view Slickpix website click here