Oh so close in Oaks

Flemington trainer Danny O’Brien went close to taking out his first three-year-old staying feature yesterday when he provided the second and third placgetters in the Crown Oaks.

Talented fillies Shamrocker and Placement filled the minor placings behind Brazilian Pulse in the 2500m Group 1 event after both threatened to run down the leader in the final furlong.

“It was a terrific effort by both fillies as they ran well, we just run into a better horse on the day,” O’Brien said.

Jockey James Winks was thrilled with Shamrocker’s run after she had failed on Saturday in the Wakeful Stakes after being galloped on.

“Down the back she relaxed beautifully and as she started charging in the final 300m I thought we would run the leader down, but it did enough to hold on,” Winks said.

“Hopefully we can be back on the first Tuesday in November next year with her.”

Ben Melham thought at the 300m that his mount, Placement was going to break her maiden status in a Group 1 event, however the concluding stages took its toll on her.

“I thought she was going to win just after they straightened, but the last furlong saw her out. It was a gutsy effort and she would have to be the best maiden around given she is Group 1 and 2 placed,” Melham said.

O’Brien said both fillies will now head out for a spell before returning for autumn campaigns.

Photo by Bruno Cannatelli, to view Bruno’s website click here