INSIDE DRAW MAKES LANE’S DECISION AN EASY ONE

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IT wasn’t a tough call to make.

When Oakfield Jupiter drew poorly in the Group 3 The Nivison (1200m) against her own sex at Rosehill Gardens today, Wyong trainer Damien Lane quickly pencilled in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) instead.

“Had she drawn a good barrier in The Nivison, then we would have had a crack there to try to get some black type,” Lane said this morning.

“But the Benchmark 78 was the right way to go when she came up with an inside draw, and the field is dropping away.

“Already there are four withdrawals, and Mogul Monarch and Bremel are racing at Port Macquarie today, so there may be only 10 starters.

“If that’s the case, she will jump from the rails barrier.

“Realistically, I would have liked to start Oakfield Jupiter over 1200m second up, but feel she still has enough freshness in her legs for the 1100m.

“I’m really happy with her, and looking forward to seeing her run well tomorrow for owner Bruce Mackenzie.”

Kerrin McEvoy again rides Oakfield Jupiter after partnering her first-up when eighth to Golden Straand in a Benchmark 88 Handicap (1100m) at Royal Randwick three weeks ago.

“She ran well considering you had to be on the inside and on pace that day,” Lane said.

“Oakfield Jupiter was wide and finished less than four lengths from the winner.

“She drops back to a Benchmark 78 tomorrow, so there is plenty in her favour.”

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Oakfield Jupiter this morning was at $11 with TAB.com.au, but that quote no doubt will shorten with further withdrawals.

Fellow Wyong trainer Kristen Buchanan has gone the opposite way.

She has withdrawn Annie’s Rose from the Benchmark 88 to chase black type in The Nivison, even though she drew well in both races.

Annie’s Rose ($14 this morning) has an impeccable Rosehill record, hence her trainer’s decision.

The six-year-old mare is unbeaten from three starts there; the latest in a Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) on September 26 when she defeated Lulumon and Mercy Me (who both line up against Oakfield Jupiter in the Benchmark 88).

Reece Jones has ridden Annie’s Rose in her last two Rosehill victories, and has the mount again.

Hawkesbury pair Blake Ryan (Lady Extreme, $61) and Jason Attard (Oui Oui Oui, $21) are the other provincial trainers with representatives in The Nivison.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, OCTOBER 9, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS