The red-hot Paul Shailer stable will look to continue its winning run when presenting Ocean Alps in the Woolgoolga Diggers Cup (1305m) at Coffs Harbour on Friday.
Shailer has prepared eight winners from his past 30 starters (26.7% win rate), including celebrating his most significant win as a trainer when Isti Star powered to a commanding victory in the $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1000m) at the Gold Coast in May.
Far from the Magic Millions spotlight, Shailer’s focus is at Coffs Harbour on Friday, where Ocean Alps was installed as favourite, since meeting further support from punters ($3 into $2.60) in the club’s feature race of the day.
A six-time winner from just 18 starts, the 4YO Headwater mare has been up since late last year, winning four times.
Her most recent victory was at the Sunshine Coast on April 6, where the Gold Coast galloper put on a dominant display to win the 1400m Benchmark 68 Handicap by three lengths in heavy 10 conditions.
Most recently, Ocean Alps raced at Casino in the Beef Week Cup on May 30, running an eye-catching second to the Tony and Maddysen Sears-trained Secret Plan.
Adept on rain-affected tracks, specifically a heavy surface (4:2-1-0), Ocean Alps won’t have any issue getting through the ground at Coffs Harbour.
Dylan Turner is in the saddle, and gate three is a soft draw. The only concern is the 60kg in the heavier conditions.
It’s set to be a big meeting at Coffs Harbour, with the first of a bumper eight-race program jumping at 12.10pm.
Coffs Harbour – June 20
Race 1: #3 Denuto
Race 2: #3 Archie Maximus
Race 3: #3 Piedi Veloci
Race 4: #6 I’m Guessing
Race 5: #9 Wanjina Rose
Race 6: #1 Ocean Alps
Race 7: #8 True Fairy
Race 8: #9 Exorealm
Track conditions
Rail Position: +3m 1000m-350m, Cutaway Applies, True Remainder
Dual Track Meeting: N
Track Type: Turf
Track Condition: Heavy 8
Weather: Fine
Acceptances: 98
