Queensland Oaks 2016: Nervous wait for Tony Pike to gain Group 1 berth with Provocative

TONY Pike was still anxiously waiting on Sunday for a withdrawal from the Queensland Oaks to gift his equal favourite Provocative a start.

TONY Pike was still anxiously waiting on Sunday for a withdrawal from the Queensland Oaks to gift his equal favourite Provocative a start.

With Provocative 19th in order of entry, she needs one withdrawal above her to take her place in the field.

Paul Snowden confirmed on Sunday that Tap This would back up from her narrow Gold Coast win on Saturday to join Falkenberg and Self Esteem in the Oaks for the stable.

Interstate raiders Tavi Bay, Ashlee Marie and Beluga Blue have also been confirmed runners.

The back-up plan for Pike is to run in a three-year-old 2200m race at Doomben on Wednesday and then go to the Queensland Derby.

He’s hopeful though of running in both the Oaks and then presuming she races well, back up into the Derby.

“Her work at Eagle Farm on Saturday was very good and I just hope she gets a run,” Pike said.

Pike has no doubts the Zabeel filly is seasoned enough to win the Oaks.

“It’s not an issue at all. She’s only going to strip fitter this week and her best win was third up, so everything is right for her, as long as she gets in the field,” he said.

Pike is set to play a major hand in the big Group 1s at Eagle Farm, with Sacred Elixir announcing himself a serious J.J. Atkins contender on Saturday.

Provocative wins at Ipswich, 28/5 Picture: Grant Peters, Trackside Photography

“After he drew wide, we had to ride him quietly and it was always going to be difficult. He got stuck behind a couple that weren’t going anywhere,” Pike said.

“He’s a big boy and I’m very surprised how quickly he’s come up as a two-year-old. He’s probably ready to run 2000m already. He’s a stayer with a lot of natural ability.

“Zac (Purton) was pretty happy with him and will be back for the J.J. Atkins.”

Godolphin will have Souchez in the J.J. Atkins and he could be joined by Archives, if he runs up to expectations in Saturday’s The Phoenix (1400m).

“We will see what Archives does on Saturday, but it won’t worry him at all having to back up,” Godolphin’s Henry Plumptre said.

Godolphin will pay a late entry fee for Eschiele to run in the Derby.

“I would say we will spell Unbreakable, but run (SA Derby runner-up) Etymology and also pay the late entry for Eschiele. I would be surprised if we didn’t get our $9000 back going on the way he raced Saturday,” Plumptre said.

Originally published as Queensland Oaks 2016: Nervous wait for Tony Pike to gain Group 1 berth with Provocative