Newnham to launch two-pronged Australian Oaks attack

Improving filly Bargain can provide Mark Newnham with the perfect one-two punch alongside Harmony Rose in Saturday’s Australian Oaks as the trainer puts a maiden win in the fillies feature in his cross hairs.

Newnham is set to saddle up two live chances in the $1 million feature with dual Group 1 placegetter Harmony Rose set to be joined by her stablemate.

Bargain booked her passage into the Oaks with a fast finishing second in last Saturday’s Adrian Knox Stakes behind Duais.

“Harmony Rose has certainly done it at a higher level than Bargain and naturally she would be the number one pick from the stable,” Newnham said.

“Once you get to a mile and a half it is a whole different pain barrier though and Saturday’s run should bring (Bargain) on.”

.@edancue and @hugebowman combine with DUAIS to win the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes. pic.twitter.com/EJ35BD0IF1

Newnham has been around the mark in both the Australian Oaks and VRC Oaks since taking out his training licence in 2016.

He has trained the runner up in both races with Greysful Glamour in the VRC Oaks in 2018 while Scarlet Dream was second at Randwick the following year.

The stable also had Quintessa finish third in last year’s Australian Oaks.

Bargain produced what appeared to be the perfect Oaks trial with an one of the more eye catching display of the afternoon on day one of The Championships.

The daughter of Ocean Park ran the best last 600m in the Adrian Knox when clocking 35.15 seconds over the trip.

Racing NSW Punter’s Intelligence indicated that was 2-1/2 lengths quicker than her nearest rival Duais, which beat Bargain by half a length in the Group 3 event.

“She went fantastic,” Newnham said.

“She appreciates a bit of give in the ground and getting up to 2000m so more than likely she backs up in the Oaks.

“Last year the three placegetters in the Adrian Knox ran the three placings in the Oaks so it is a good enough guide.

“If we go there with two live chances I am more than happy.”

Harmony Rose is the Australian Oaks favourite. Photo: Mark Evans/Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Godolphin star Colette was a dominant winner of last year’s Oaks, beating home Chris Waller’s Toffee Tongue and Quintessa.

Harmony Rose is the $4 favourite with TAB.com.au for Saturday’s Australian Oaks before the final field and barriers are declared on Tuesday morning.

Josh Parr will be in the saddle again for the Group 1 while leading jockey James McDonald is set to jump in the hot seat to pilot Bargain.

Bargain is a $15 chance for the Oaks.

Originally published asOaks rivals get more than they Bargain for

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