Slice of history required to win Group One

HER half-brother created history last season and that’s the kind of dizzy height Eve Crocker has to reach if she is to emerge triumphant during the weekend.

A Group One winner, Major Crocker was bred and owned by South Australian businessman, Gary Crocker, until sold to American interests in 2019.

Continuing his career in successful fashion north of the equator, Major Crocker became the first SA-bred pacer to earn more than $1million with his victory in Yonkers last September.

Before leaving the southern hemisphere Major Crocker won the Australasian Breeders’ Crown, Inter Dominion Consolation, Southern Cross Final and posted a fastest time of 1:50.2.

The gelding lowered his mark to 1:49.4 in the US.

Yet to experience glory at the top level, Eve Crocker will make her third Group One appearance when she contests Saturday night’s New South Wales Oaks.

The daughter of Somebeachsomewhere qualified for the Club Menangle-based classic with a solid fourth in a heat last week.

Inaugurated in 1956 when captured by the mighty Argent, the Oaks is yet to be won by an SA-bred filly.

“That’s good to know…not only has she got a strong field of top fillies to contend with, history is also against her,” Crocker said.

Trained by Michael Doltoff and to be driven by Chris Geary, the three-year-old has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier three.

TAB Fixed Odds have her listed among the outsiders at $41, with New Zealand raider Kahlua Flybye the $2.10 favourite from gate 10.

“Her run in the heat was her second from a spell, so I was pleased with the way she went,” Crocker said. “This is obviously another step up for her, so she will need to improve from that run, which I expect her to do.

“Whether the improvement she shows is good enough we will have to wait and see, but I’ll be happy if she can finish in the top four.”