Godolophin Fillies Seeking G1 Victories

A smart piece of lead-up work has rekindled confidence in the Stakes-winning filly Ambience (John O'Shea/James McDonald) ahead of her appearance in the G1 Australian Oaks at Randwick on Saturday, April 9.

On a day when the Godolphin team has strong all-round prospects, a second filly, Asinara (John O'Shea/Tim Clark), is also a G1 contender in the Coolmore Legacy Stakes.

As well as being a Stakes winner at both G2 and G3 level, Ambience is a classic placegetter, having finished third behind Jameka and Honesta - whom she meets again at Randwick - in the Victoria Oaks at Flemington last Spring.

"She's shown she can be competitive in this class and at this distance, which is relevant for young fillies," O'Shea said.

"There are no issues, no problems, she worked nicely over 1600m at Warwick Farm on Tuesday morning."

The track conditions predicted for the Randwick meeting are also expected to favour the daughter of Street Cry.

"She likes to get her toe in and there's every chance she'll get to do that on Saturday," O'Shea said.

Jameka comes into the Oaks as one of the strongest prospects, having finished second to Tavago in last week's G1 Australian Derby.

Asinara, who was also considered a possible Oaks contender, has been switched to the 1600m of the G1 Coolmore (formerly Queen of the Turf) after failing to get into contention at 2000m at her last start.

"She's done extra well since her last run and after weighing it all up, we took this option instead of the Oaks," O'Shea said.

"I think the 1600m will suit her better at this stage. She's come a long way in a short time and they are both Group 1 races."

Asinara, a daughter of Teofilo, has won two of her five starts, the most recent a stunning victory over 1350m at Rosehill in January.