Etymology, Eschiele And Ambience In Classic Bids

The final Classics of the Australian season contain a strong Godolphin presence with Etymology and Eschiele tackling the G1 Queensland Derby and Ambience making a delayed appearance in the G1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on Saturday, June 11.

In the Derby Etymology (John O'Shea/James McDonald) has drawn an awkward gate but still looks to have a slight edge over Eschiele (John O'Shea/Damian Browne) in a race in which the pair faces handy opposition.

"He's very fit and we know he can run a strong 2400m. The barrier's going to be tricky but he's capable of taking a forward position," John O'Shea said.

Etymology has been placed in Classics at his past two starts, the most recent when second to Howard Be Thy Name in the G1 South Australian Derby.

"The form around him is well exposed, Howard Be Thy Name had the better of him in Adelaide and has drawn well here," he said.

"But our colt has settled in well in Queensland and if he can get some cover and be produced at the right time, he's a proven stayer and I expect him to run well."

Eschiele has drawn far better in gate three and comes to the Derby off a strong fourth behind Mackintosh in the G3 Grand Prix Stakes at 2200m two weeks ago in which he had to change course several times as he made his run from the rear of the field.

"I thought he finished off really well last time and he was very consistent in Sydney before going up north. He's drawn well and it looks like the trip will suit," O'Shea said.

Ambience had been ready to end her season on the right note in the G1 Queensland Oaks a week ago, only for the race to be washed out and postponed by seven days.

But O'Shea says the delay shouldn't affect the chances of a filly who has already been placed in two Oaks this season.

"She's been ticking over nicely after being ready to go last week. The extra seven days won't have done any harm and she showed us in her work on Tuesday that she's held her form," O'Shea said.

"The thing about her is that she really handles softer ground and she'll get that on Saturday. It's a shame she's drawn so wide in barrier 21, but she has a touch of class and she's another one who's proven over the trip."