Elite jockey Craig Williams has pointed to several factors which give reason to hope that So Dazzling can bounce back and give the Group 1 Queensland Oaks a mighty shake.
One is the sublime record of recent Australian Oaks runners-up in the Queensland Oaks.
Recent history shows Winx, Duais and Gypsy Goddess all bounced out of a second placing in the Sydney staying feature to win the Queensland Oaks.
So Dazzling, who surged home to finish runner-up behind Pennyweka in the Australian Oaks in April, is trying to follow in the same footsteps.
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The other factor Williams is relying on is the masterful record of trainer John Sargent with Oaks horses.
Sargent has trained 10 career Group 1 winners and of those, seven have been in New Zealand.
The other three have all been in Oaks in Australia (Queensland Oaks with Quintessential in 2012, Kirramosa in the 2013 VRC Oaks and Gust Of Wind in the 2015 Australian Oaks – beating Winx).
But on the negative side, So Dazzling didn’t flatter when having her first Queensland run when racing against the boys in the Rough Habit Plate.
So Dazzling, with Williams riding, started the $4.40 second pick in the Rough Habit but finished only 12th and was beaten almost nine lengths.
“Saying that it was a so-so run would probably describe it quite well,” Williams said.
“It was far from convincing.
“But Sarge (John Sargent) has got a great handle on her and she finds her way there to this race on Saturday.
John Sargent is hoping So Dazzling can bounce back and land Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks. Picture: Getty Images
“He is a great trainer with staying horses and young horses and I am guided by his horsemanship.
“Thinking about the record of Australian Oaks runners-up in the Queensland Oaks also makes me smile.
“If this filly recaptures that Australian Oaks type of form again on Saturday, then she is going to take a lot of beating.”
Sargent also pointed to a reason for hope.
He said before doing herself proud in the Australian Oaks, So Dazzling had put in only a fair run when well beaten in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes.
He is hoping So Dazzling can repeat history – bouncing back from an average run to run terrifically in the Oaks over 2200m at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
So Dazzling is rated an $11 Oaks shot in TAB fixed odds, with her prospects helped after favourite Fireburn was scratched on Thursday.
Williams is aiming for his second Group 1 of the 2023 Queensland winter carnival after winning the Doomben 10,000 on sprint sensation Giga Kick.