Quality fillies Little Dreamer (pictured) and Indianna Rose have both been set for the $5000 Light Regional Council Gawler Oaks (2170m) at the Gawler Paceway on Friday, April 15.
The Light Regional Council Gawler Oaks meeting is harness racing’s involvement as part of the inaugural Steinborner Holden Gawler Horse Festival which is attracting world-wide media exposure.
Part-owner John Conley confirmed Little Dreamer was leaving David Murphy’s Victorian stable this week to return to her former trainer Jeff Potter to be prepared for the Gawler Oaks and the $10,000 Duracell SA Sires Produce (2230m) at Globe Derby Park on Saturday, April 30.
A brilliant 1:57.6 winner at Ballarat three starts ago, Little Dreamer ran an excellent second to fellow SA-owned filly Clarenden Esprit at Geelong last Saturday night in a very fast 1:57.4.
“Little Dreamer will return to David Murphy’s again after the Sires to be prepared for the Vicbred Series and Victoria Oaks,” Mr Conley said.
Victorian trainer Kevin Brough said last-start Ballart winner Indianna Rose was coming across for the Light Regional Council Gawler Oaks.
“I love going to Gawler for their Cup meeting each year and Indianna Rose is in good form and worth a run in the Oaks,” Brough said.
David Murphy confirmed he held high hopes for Little Dreamer and also the mare Holla which is now back in his care.
“It was disappointing at Geelong to do the work and run the time and still be beaten,” Murphy said. “But both Clarenden Esprit and Little Dreamer are quality fillies. I’m looking forward to running Little Dreamer in the Vicbred Series and Victoria Oaks.”
Murphy said Holla was improving with racing and he had been delighted with her second at Kilmore on Monday.
Coming from gate 11, Holla ran a neck second to favourite Safari Breeze who had led throughout in a Vicbred Mares Heat (2180m).
“Importantly, the second qualified Holla for the semi-finals of the Vicbred Four-Year-Old Mares at Moonee Valley on April 15. She is still on the improve and I’m hopeful of getting her through to the final.”
Murphy said Holla was also being aimed towards the Tontine Series which generally attracted Australia’s best.
“When she first came into my stable she had good speed but lacked a bit of stamina but like the stock of her sire Village Jasper she is getting stronger with age.
“She was low-flying when I had her last year and I’m sure she can get back to that sort of form again with a bit more racing. I would have liked to had her back about three weeks earlier than I did but she is improving quickly.”
