Trainers' lowdown on the Oaks and Derby

With the Northern Oaks and the Northern Derby headlining a bumper night of racing at Alexandra Park we asked the trainers of the horses in the two feature Group Ones about their chances. Where a trainer was unavailable for comment we have used Trottech. 

Race 5 – 2021 PASCOES THE JEWELLERS NORTHERN OAKS (GROUP 1)

1. Enjoy Me - She needed the run last week, will be better for this week and has a good draw to start from. (Telfer & Telfer)

2. Bettor Twist - Pulled up from her run last Friday night in great order. Bettor Twist has drawn a great alley for once. (H Cullen)

3. Darling Me - She has been racing well, finished off her race strongly last week and the extra distance shouldn't be a problem. (Telfer & Telfer)

4. Ruby Mach - very honest filly that will need a good trip against some of these fillies. (Telfer & Telfer)

5. Off N Gone – Didn’t go bad last week after making a mid-race move. She hung a little having her first look at The Park. Expect improvement. Will need luck but shouldn’t be too far away at the finish. (R Dunn)

6. The Honey Queen - Too tough from the draw last week but didn't disgrace herself. Place hope best. (Trottech)

7. Santa Maria - Continues to race well with 4th placing here last week. Stretched from marble. (Trottech)

8. La Rosa - draw has been cruel to us but she is racing good and 2700 should not be a concern but can't see us or anyone beating Bettor Twist from the draw (M Jones)

9. Shezadeal – She has worked super since her last run. Draw will suit her down to the ground. Can't see why with the right trip she can’t be in the first four in what is a strong field. (Hollis & Robertson)

10. Shes No Lady - Drawn to get a soft trip hopefully she's improved with last week’s run (Reid & McMullan)

Race 7 – 2020 WOODLANDS STUD NORTHERN DERBY (GROUP 1)

1. Raven Banner - Has done a good job in the grade races big step up for him but we think he's earnt his chance to start in this race! Good draw we think he's a decent place chance at least. (Purdon & Phelan)

2. Alta Sensation – Has earned his spot against the big boys here. Great draw in #2 to work with and can hum the gate. He is in a great zone at home and is improving everyday. Keep an eye on him. (Dalgety & Dalgety)

3. Luke John – rapt with his last run, timed at 54.8 three wide. His work since has been super. First four chance. (Hollis & Robertson)

4. Hot And Treacherous - Sound enough behind Krug last week but had every chance. Minors appear best. (Trottech)

5. Krug – Loved being driven aggressively last week and he will eat the 2700m for breakfast. Have the fire brigade on standby. (Dalgety & Dalgety)

6. Aladdin - good field, tricky draw, he’s very well hoping for a good position in the run. (Blanchard & Blanchard)

7. American Dealer – come through his run really well as he always does. Disappointing about the draw but sure he’ll give a good sight.

8. It’s All About Faith - Pulled up from his run last Friday night in great order. It's All About Faith has not had luck with the draw this week but couldn't be happier with him going into the derby, will just need a bit of luck from the gate. (H Cullen)

9. B D Joe - He's very well, has been training strongly and trialling well. He's fresh up but he runs his best races that way. (Telfer & Telfer)

10. Outlaw Man - With a economical run I'd like to think he we will see him running on well. (A Donnelly)