Pundits may think Mark Oulaghan is overstepping the mark in the group three $35,000 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at the Manawatu meeting tomorrow.
But the Awapuni trainer warns that his two fillies, Eternal Grace and Millie Munroe, are not there just to make up the numbers.
Eternal Grace is by Dance Floor, sire of one of the pre-post favourites, Double Dazzle.
She is unbeaten in two race-day appearances so far and showed pace and stamina in both her 1400m victories, the first of which was a maiden at Tauherenikau and the other an event for three-year-old at Trentham.
"She's not a bad filly at all, and I've been very impressed with the manner in which she ground away under pressure in both outings," said Oulaghan.
"And she just keeps on improving."
Oulaghan trains Eternal Grace for Excel Thoroughbreds, which is managed by Waikanae accountant Jude Simpson.
Eternal Grace has the advantage of the No 1 draw, so getting to the front looks a formality.
Grosvenor filly Millie Munroe is still a maiden, with just one race-day outing under her belt.
That was a fourth placing behind stablemate Eternal Grace in a 1400m for three-year-olds at Trentham three weeks ago, and Oulaghan, who part-owns the filly, rates her highly.
Oulghan has no qualms about either filly tackling a group three race at his back door.
"We've weighed up the field and decided to stick to our guns on this," he said.
- NZPA
Racing: Oulaghan fillies in fine form at home
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