Racing: Promising debutantes hampered by poor barrier draws

Roger James

Cambridge trainer Roger James winced when he saw the draws for his three debutantes at Te Aroha today.

James, one of the best producers of young blood in the business, had purposely picked out the roomy track as the best kick-off point for the long-range Derby and Oaks hopefuls.

But late yesterday double figure gates made it unlikely the exciting trials performer Casa De Campo would appear, and may also keep Congrats and Dionysus in their box.

Although drawn 16 in the last event, James says natural-born stayer Lolly Scramble still gets her chance to enhance her Oaks chances over 1600m.

"The draws have definitely thrown a curve ball into the game plan," said James. "I'm not sure the first-starters have the ringcraft to cope."

When they do get inside marbles James said his three-year-olds could be followed with confidence.

Congrats, Dionysus and Casa De Campo have all shown enough at trials to win at short notice; the latter is likely to get his shot at Avondale next Wednesday.

At least James' Zabeel filly Asmahan looks well placed to live up to her reputation in race seven today.

She had little luck last time out when third over the same trip on debut in a strong form race at Te Rapa.

Just ahead of Asmahan that day was Willie Ryan, a next-up winner of the three-year-old listed race at Ellerslie last Sunday.

"She's definitely an Oaks type - I really like her a lot," said James of Asmahan. "She could run 2400m tomorrow if I wanted her to."

James said Lolly Scramble would also relish the step up to 1600m in the final race.

Punters, however, still won't see the best of the Generous filly until the autumn when she's up over Oaks-like distances.

"I know she was impressive at two and beat some nice horses, but everything I've done with her suggests she just wants to relax and race over 2000m and further," said James.

"Having said that I expect her to be hard to beat on a track like Te Aroha over 1600m.

"There are no champions in the race and even stayers should have the class to win there."

James said Flyin' Finnish's chances fresh-up in race 10 depended on a fast pace.