Searching for a Bargain in The Roses

The Gr2 The Roses (2000m), a traditional lead up to the Gr1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) on June 5, has attracted a capacity field of 16 plus two emergencies, and while plenty of the field have had their last start in the sunshine state, the Mark Newnham-trained Bargain (Ocean Park-Shopaholic, by Pins) was last seen on race day when finishing third behind Hungry Heart (Frankel) and Duais (Shamus Award) in the Gr1 ATC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on April 17. Since finishing second in a Randwick barrier  trial over 1200m, the Waikato Stud-bred and raced filly is a winner of two of 11 starts, but does also have form behind Chris Waller's Easifar (Pride Of Dubai-Storm Fronts, by Hurricane Sky), a winner of the Listed Princess Stakes two starts back at Doomben before finishing fifth in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m). In front of her (filling the trifecta) were stablemates Grace And Harmony (Sebring-Champagne Harmony, by Choisir), Signora Nera (Sweymesse-Madonna Mia, by Red Clubs) and Only Words (Sweynesse-Jungle Pago, by Darci Brahma), with all of them set to meet again on Saturday. Of the 16 runners, Waller has accepted with six; having most recently tasted success in the race three years back with Youngstar (High Chaparral) who claimed the Gr1 Queensland Oaks at her next start, the stable clearly knows what it takes to win.