Two different types of fillies give in-form jockey Michael McNab a huge shot at a Group 1 double on one of his favourite tracks today. And they could even play their roles in helping him win his first jockeys' premiership as the race for the title gets serious.
McNab rides favourites Self Obsession in the $400,000 New Zealand Oaks and Imperatriz in the $260,000 Levin Classic at Trentham, both races giving Jamie Richards his last cracks at more Group 1 glory before he signs off as Te Akau's trainer on April 1 and moves to Hong Kong.
McNab heads to today's meeting eight wins clear of Craig Grylls on the national premiership after riding four winners at Matamata on Wednesday and says he has the same confidence about today's meeting.
"I'm on some very good horses and I love Trentham, it gives you time to be patient and time your run," says McNab. "So I'm going there in a good space. I know that if I go there and execute, these fillies should be good enough to go very close."
Everything about Self Obsession screams Oaks horse, from her size, breeding, racing style and will to win, and McNab admits it is love.