Over 300 Entries for Oakbank Easter Carnival
- Friday, 11 April 2003 00:00
The solid nomination for the jumping events - the $150,000 Carlton Draught Greats Eastern Steeplechase, the $94,500 Von Doussa Steeplechase, the $94,500 Yalumba Classic Hurdle and the $30,500 Ord Minnett Sharebrokers Hurdle - has been more than matched by the depth of entry for the 12 flat races.
The $62,200 Clipsal Stakes (1100m) has drawn 17 entries. Adelaide speedster Identifiable will be out to stretch a six-win sequence in the time-honoured sprint but will meet strong resistance from talented SA gallopers including Wyndam Glory and interstate visitors Speaker and Real Dragon.
Imported stallion Sandmason, a Group II winner in England, is among notable entrants for the $62,200 Adelaide Bank Onkaparinga Cup (2150m).
Premier South Australian trainer Tony McEvoy has 32 nominations across the 16 races scheduled to be run at Oakbank. Former leading Adelaide trainer John Hawkes, now in control of the Ingham brothers national operations across four states, has two nominations.
Victorian stables have nominated more than 30 horses for the race meeting regarded as an Adelaide institution.
Crafty Dancer, the exciting jumper who won last year's Grand National and Australian Steeplechases, returns to Oakbank to avenge his second-placing behind Nautilism in last year's Von Doussa.
He will spearhead trainer John Wheeler's assault on the Great Eastern Steeplechase, a race the master Kiwi conditioner has won six times.
Past winner Turkey Lane, triumphant in the 1998 Great Eastern, is the only previous winner looking to add the race to his list of credits for a second time.
Roseworthy trainer David Halliday, who saddled up 2000 winner Bruskin, will be back to lift the prize again. He has in-form jumper Raquets primed for victory.
Media Release - Oakbank Racing Club
