Oregon’s Day faces Doomben Cup challenge

History has a habit of repeating itself in Brisbane Group One races and that means tough Melbourne mare Oregon’s Day faces a task in the Doomben Cup on Saturday.

Mares have a poor record in all open Group One races in Brisbane but none more so than in the Doomben Cup which was first run in 1933.

Only two mares Cinque Cento (2007) and Streama (2014) have won the race since it went to weight-for-age in 1990.

The overall Doomben Cup record of mares isn’t much better with Dream, a three-year-old filly, the previous female winner in 1950,

And while the Hollindale Stakes was once the best guide to the Doomben Cup, in the past 10 years only Streama and Metal Bender have achieved the double.

Oregon’s Day also has history against her with her jockey in Jim Byrne.

He will become only the third Queensland-based jockey since the race went to weight for age to win.

History is kinder in terms of trainers with Lee Freedman, Anthony Freedman and Peter Moody being Melbourne based trainers to win the race in the past 10 years.

But history is the last thing on Caulfield trainer Mick Price’s mind as he strives for his 37th Group One win.

Price got his wish for Oregon’s Day to draw well as she will jump from barrier two.

“She needs cover or she can over-race. This was our chance to get her out over more than 1600 metres and to win a Group one race,” he said.

Credit: AAP

Stay up to date with the latest racing news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest racing news!