Aloha, consistent Miss Oahu greets the judge at Woodville trials
By Barry Lichter • 21 November 2018
Miss Oahu showed she could be in for a good season when scoring at the Woodville trials yesterday.
Ridden by Robbie Hannam, the Pins mare sat outside the leader in a three-horse field and went to the line locked together with the Johno Benner and Holly Wynyard-trained Vee Twelve to win the 1000 metre open heat by half a head.
“Her coat looked much better,’’ says Latta who took three horses to the trials for Lincoln Farms.
“If she pleases me out of this trial I will look to kick off her campaign at Wanganui on December 1.’’
Miss Oahu photofinishes Sophia Magia at Hastings in March. PHOTO: Race Images.Miss Oahu was seldom far from the money in her last campaign, winning twice and racking up four placings, and as a six-year-old should be fully matured.
In her latest placing in May she chased home Casaquinman, form franked during cup week when that horse won the Listed Pegasus Stakes at Riccarton.
Authentic Charm, a surprise winner at the Levin jumpouts two weeks earlier, continued her improvement when running second in her 1200 metre maiden heat.
The four-year-old trailed third before Hannam made a move on the point of the turn.
“Robbie said she was travelling very easily at this stage. She lodged her challenge halfway down but blew out as she is still carrying a lot of condition.
“I would expect this trial to bring her on and it should tidy her up to head back to the races.’’
Authentic Charm has shown little in four starts but Latta says she is from a very slow maturing family which includes her half brothers Authentic Paddy and The Rippa.
Lincoln Hanover … improving three-year-old who needs good ground. PHOTO: Royden Williams.Hannam had instructions not to knock around Lincoln Hanover in his 1000 metre heat and he went to the line untested in fourth.
“I’m not real happy with his coat at the moment and I wanted this trial to bring him on further,’’ says Latta.
“I’ll see how he comes out of this trial and hopefully I can map out a raceday start for him.’’
Lincoln Hanover, a Showcasing three-year-old, is the first foal of Lincoln Farms’ former mare Princess Lincoln, who won four races, and was at her best in very wet ground.
Lincoln Hanover, on the other hand, failed on a heavy 11 track in July in his only start, never handling the conditions.
He has shown Latta, however, that he has plenty of ability.
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Lisa’s comments
Saturday at Trentham
Race 2: Platinum Tyche
1.05pm
“This is a big drop-back in class for her as her last two races have been very strong rating 75s. The track at Otaki was particularly wet and she just didn’t handle it. She has come through that run in fantastic order and is very bright and well. She shouldn’t be too far off the leaders from the good draw and I expect her to bounce back to form providing we get a decent track.”
Race 8: Platinum Attack
4.43pm
“He drew the outside barrier in this race last year and has been dealt the same card again. He couldn’t be looking any better though and his work has been phenomenal. He is right where he needs to be to win a race like this. We are going to need some luck from the draw but Craig Grylls knows him well now and I thought that he is certainly one of the better horses in the race. If he gets clear air at the right time then he will finish with a big run.”