The barrier draw for Saturday night’s Group 2 Changeover South East Oaks has thrown a spanner in the works for Pelosi.
Earlier today, the Anna Woodmansey-trained superstar drew barrier seven for the $50,000 feature – the outside of the front row – with Jiggle And Jive (six) and Fond Memories (five) inside her.
The highly-fancied Jenden Strike will start from the second row for Chris Frisby after drawing 10.
Despite the draw, Woodmansey remained upbeat, hoping Pelosi’s versatility will prove telling in the finish.
“I didn’t want to draw one or eight,” Woodmansey said.
“She can slot in somewhere from there – she’s got so much speed – so she should be ok to just slot in somewhere.
“And she doesn’t know that she’s drawn seven, she just gets out there and runs.”
A dual Group 1 winner, Pelosi was crowned the Queensland 2YO Pacer of the Year – and the Queensland Filly or Mare of the Year – in 2019 after winning all but two of her first eight starts and more than $250,000 in stakes.
A leg injury she sustained whilst kicking a rail or fence may have stymied her NSW Oaks hopes, but after making a successful return to the track, Pelosi has captured three of five starts this campaign including back-to-back wins to be peaking ahead of the winter features.
“Her biggest asset is she’s just so versatile,” Woodmansey said.
“She can win in the death, she can win in front, she can come from behind, she’s done it all.
“She’s not a big girl, she just loves to race. She’s the best horse I’ll ever have…she’s just a beautiful pacer.”
Having narrowly held off Fond Memories last start, Woodmansey is well aware of the threat she poses, but is also mindful of a number of others including Miss Ruby Sunshine.
“She’s got a really nice turn of speed,” Woodmansey said of Miss Ruby Sunshine.
“It should be a great race.”
In addition to the Oaks, the Wondais Mate (Open) will be staged on Saturday night along with the Queen of Heats Pace.
