Specular's Absence Only Downer Among Oakbank Entries
- Thursday, 10 April 2003 00:00
Specular's trainer Tony Rosolini had been tossing up whether to run the gelding at the famous hills course but was concerned the unique atmosphere and huge crowd on both sides of the track may be his undoing.
News of Specular's absence from race is a great boost to those who entered runners for the $94,400 Yalumba Classic Hurdle (3600m) on Easter Monday.
Among the early entries for that race include Bubble Gum, Saturday's Adelaide hurdle winner Comely King, proven Musgrove jumpers Risky Venture and Super Cobra and yesterday's Strathalbyn flat winner Crowned Serdar.
Crowned Serdar will be out to emulate his bonny jumping stablemate Shutayr, the star of last year's Oakbank carnival by winning jumps events on both days of the carnival including the Yalumba Classic.
Meanwhile, fourteen entries were received for the weekend's feature, the time honoured $156,000 Carlton Draught Great Eastern Steeplechase (4950m).
Among those nominations are the good jumpers Crafty Dancer, Crown Duo, Raquets, Shamrock Dancer, The Rampager and previous Great Eastern winner Turkey Lane.
The feature flat races over the carnival have been swamped by quality entries.
The $62,600 Adelaide Bank Onkaparinga Cup (2150m) has brought together the likes of Bellton, Buffalo Power, Duchovny, Glitzy Guru, McBeal, Our Guided Missile, Sandmason, Talanto, Terminus Prince, Sunday's Gawler Cup winner Unbridled Lad and last year's winner Oxford Dollar.
Saturday's feature flat event, the $62,200 has brought together 16 entries - all quality. Among them are the flying Identifiable (six straight wins), recent Melbourne winner Danzerani, proven sprinters Let's Went, Heracles, Lowendale Road, recent stakes winner Wyndam Glory and the top interstaters Real Dragon and Speaker.
Late entries for both race days will be accepted until tomorrow with officials. For more information contact TRSA.
