Racing: Scent of AJC win for Faint Perfume

Guy Walter knows his two stable representatives need to lift significantly today if he is to claim a third AJC Australian Oaks.

Ceviche and Slapstick aren't rated among the main chances in betting for the 2400m group one feature for fillies and Walter has been particularly impressed with the Bart Cummings-trained Oaks favourite Faint Perfume, who has won the VRC Oaks and Storm Queen Stakes.

"There are a couple of very good fillies in there, it's probably the best bunch we've had for a few years," Walter said.

"I think Faint Perfume looks like a really, really classy filly."

Faint Perfume and Valdemoro have created plenty of interest in the Oaks but Walter said Slapstick and Ceviche deserved their places in the field.

Slapstick won the Listed Keith Nolan Classic (1600m) at Kembla Grange two starts back before finishing seventh, beaten almost eight lengths by Faint Perfume and Valdemoro in the Vinery Stud Storm Queen Stakes (2000m) on April 3.

Ceviche is still a maiden from nine starts but finished a solid fourth in last Saturday's Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) won by Speedy Natalie.

"I thought Slapstick's win at Kembla was very good and she ran quite a creditable race in the Storm Queen," Walter said.

"But this is a particularly strong field with two or three high-class fillies, so I'm just hoping for a bit of luck.

"Ceviche surprised me how well she went last weekend and deserves her place in the field.

"It looks like she will stay, but class is the question mark."

Walter won the AJC Australian Oaks with Republic Lass in 2002 and Wild Iris in 2004.

The Warwick Farm-based trainer also has three runners in the Listed JRA Plate (2000m) today and labelled imported stayer Basaltico as the interesting runner.

In other Oaks news, Melbourne horseman Peter Moody will now have just one representative, Speedy Natalie, as he tries to win his first AJC Australian Oaks at Randwick and his third Oaks overall after the scratching of Ocean Dream on Thursday.

Ocean Dream's scratching on veterinary advice leaves top jockey Glen Boss without a ride in the race.

Moody refuses to concede defeat to short-priced favourite Faint Perfume.

Speedy Natalie was third pick at A$7.50 with TAB Sportsbet on Thursday behind the A$2.30 favourite, VRC Oaks winner Faint Perfume, and Valdemoro at A$3.20.

- AAP