Sydney rider Hugh Bowman has been engaged for Hamilton filly Dating in the $A550,000 AJC Oaks at Randwick on Saturday.
Dating leaves today with co-trainer Debbie Rogerson for a one-race assignment.
Dating was badly hampered at the 200m before finishing fourth, a length and a-half from winner Midnight Oil in the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham at her last start.
She won the Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham in January on a dead track. She has also won on heavy footing.
"It's an advantage that she can run well in the wet, but she doesn't need it. I don't care whether it's wet or dry on Saturday," Rogerson said.
Dating is raced by the Waikato Stud.
Bowman carried their green and white colours to win the Oaks two years ago on Daffodil, trained by Kevin Gray.
The Danny OBrien-trained filly Shamrocker has overtaken Brazilian Pulse as the favourite to win the AJC Oaks after her smart win in the AJC Derby last Saturday.
James McDonald finished third on Weathervane in the $MAC2.6 million ($NZ417,000) Macau Derby on Sunday.
The race was won by the Paddy Busuttin-trained Imabayboy ridden by another New Zealander Andrew Calder.
Imabayboy is by San Luis from the Kaapstad mare English Kath.
More Joyous is the $2 favourite for the $A2 million Doncaster Handicap at Randwick on Saturday after drawing eight in the field of 18.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained 4yr-old mare has won 14 times, including five at group one level from 18 starts.
Chris Waller, who won the race last year with Rangirangdoo, has Danleigh, Triple Elegance and Syreon engaged. He has reserved Rangirangdoo for the All-Aged Stakes on Saturday week.
- Mike Dillon
