Racing
Track experience vital for Oman
Grahame Begg is looking for Oman to register a victory before heading for a break.
Trainer Grahame Begg is banking on experience under race condition on the Caulfield Heath circuit proving beneficial for Oman.
The two-year-old daughter of Capitalist has already been to Caulfield Heath on three occasions and is set to head there again on Saturday to contest the Magic Millions VIC 2YO Classic (1100m).
Oman made her debut over 1000m at the track on November 19, finishing fourth, after jumping from barrier one.
Either side of that performance, Oman finished third in an 850m trial and more recently when fifth behind the promising Guest House, again over 850m, on December 11.
"She had a little tick over trial last week," Begg said.
"She ran fourth on that Wednesday meeting at The Heath a couple of weeks ago, and I'm sure getting up to the 1100 metres, she will be seen to advantage.
"She drew barrier one in that race, and got back inside horses
"I hate it for two-year-olds when they draw an inside gate as they're inexperienced horses and they don't seem to like going up inside other horses.
"Late she was good and we'll ride her where she's comfortable, but at least she has had the experience on the track."
While Saturday's race is a lead-up to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 17, Begg said the filly was unlikely to be heading north.
"I think I will turn her out after Saturday," Begg said.
"It's a good opportunity to give her another run and there's good prize money on offer also, but it's very hard for the two-year-old's going up that way for the Magic Millions, I think.
"It's an ordeal, and then you've got to get them home again.
"It's tough on them, especially from here in Victoria, but it's not so bad in New South Wales."
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