Oxx hoping fillies can recapture Classic glory
JOHN OXX has outlined his hopes for securing a first Classic victory since Sea The Stars' marauding three-year-old season in 2009Harasiya, who placed third in the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes on her final juvenile start, is a potential Irish 1,000 Guineas runner, while the once-raced Tarana, a 33-1 chance for Investec Oaks, could tackle that race or its Irish equivalent.
Speaking in his Racing Post stable tour, published in Thursday's paper, Oxx said: "Harasiya's a smart filly who did well last season, winning a Group 3 on her second start before being placed at Group 2 and Group 1 level and has done well over the winter.
"We’re taking our time with her and it’s quite likely she’ll start off in the Athasi Stakes at the Curragh on May 6 to see if she’ll measure up for the Irish 1,000 Guineas.
"Tarana’s the first foal of a mare [Tarakala] who won the Galtres Stakes for us and is lazy and very relaxed at home.
"She showed ability winning nicely on her only start over 1m at the Curragh in September and is entered in the Investec Oaks and the Darley Irish Oaks.
"It remains to be seen how far up the tree she’ll get, but she is promising and has a good temperament. We were hoping to start her off in the Salsabil Stakes at Navan but she’s had a little setback and it’s looking more like the Blue Wind Stakes at Naas [on May 15] for her first start of the season."
