Newnham sets sights on Slipper Oasis

Trainer Mark Newnham is hopng Super Oasis can qualify for the Golden Slipper via the Sweet Embrace.

Mark Newnham is using his knowledge of a close relation to two-year-old Super Oasis in an attempt to qualify the filly for a start in the Golden Slipper.

Super Oasis is by Exceed And Excel out of Puzzle, a half-sister to two-time Group One winner English who was trained by Gai Waterhouse during Newnham’s time at Tulloch Lodge.

English was late on the scene during her two-year-old season and won the Reisling Stakes at her second start to book a Slipper spot, beating all but stablemate Vancouver in the feature.

Like English, Super Oasis made a belated debut, finishing second on the Kensington track in February after getting back from a wide draw, being held up at the top of the straight, and charging home late.

“The plan was to actually win the maiden and then run in this but she didn’t win, although it probably wasn’t her fault that she didn’t win,” Newnham said.

“She’s out of a half-sister to English and English was able to win a maiden at her first start then go to one of these (Slipper qualifying) races and win. And then her third run was in the Slipper.

“We’re hoping to do something similar.

“She’s going to make a really good filly, it’s just a matter of whether it’s now or later.”

Fellow trainer Lee Curtis is not sure if the Slipper is the right fit for Giselle Anne but admits there will be a temptation to continue her campaign if she does well in the Sweet Embrace.

Giselle Anne has had three starts running fourth twice either side of a third behind Accession who runs in the Skyline Stakes and is high in Slipper markets.

Curtis trains the filly for a group headed by Christine Cook for whom he has also prepared VRC Oaks winner Lasqueti Spirit and stakes winner Meryl.

“She is so tough and I really would like to see her get black-type,” Curtis said.

“She was very close last time when she was fourth in the Widden.

“If she won the Sweet Embrace we would be tempted by the Slipper, if not we could look at the Magic Night Stakes to try to get her a stakes win.

“She is in a great state of mind and keeps copping the work. She is very game and I have a big opinion of her.”