Ready to continue winning ways

FRESH from registering an overdue victory last week, Oria is well-position to complete consecutive wins at Club Menangle today.

Driven by talented concession reinswoman Zara Fitzpatrick, Oria notched her first win since scoring at the world class venue last April.

In between, the daughter of Quaker Jet has finished in the top four in four of her eight starts.

“She is a consistent filly which had been ready to win,” trainer Blake Fitzpatrick said. “She’s maturing as she goes along and should be able to keep working her way through the grades.

“With any lucl that will be the case this week too.”

To be partnered by Zara again, Oria has drawn to search for the front from barrier three.

The led throughout from barrier five last week.

“Her work has been terrific and she has another nice draw,” Fitzpatrick said. “Everything is in her favour to get another win on the board.

“It’s a pretty even field, but Dollys Law on her outside is in solid form and looks like the one to beat.”

Oria’s success also provided Fitzpatrick with a personal milestone as a trainer – his 1000th win!

Thrilled with his moment in the spotlight, Fitzpatrick admitted the countdown had been on his mind recently.

“I was on 999 for a bit,” Fitzpatrick said. “I knew the occasion was coming up, but it felt like I was stuck in the ‘nervous 90s’ for a while.

“To finally get there and have Zara in the cart makes it all-the-more special.

“Now I’ll have to focus on the next 1000!”

Elsewhere on the card Fitzpatrick has Complete Stranger ready to break her maiden after drawing the pole over a mile.

“She’s only had 10 starts and is a work in progress,” Fitzpatrick said. “Her last couple of runs have been solid and we’re hopeful she can get the job done soon.”