Confesara set to pursue 2026 Australasian Oaks glory

Roger James’ success in Australian Group 1 races targeted at three-year-old fillies began early in the 21st century, and the trainer plans to notch up one more this Saturday.

The New Zealand-based horseman, working with co-trainer Robert Wellwood, has Confesara lined up for the $1 million Australasian Oaks at Morphettville in Adelaide.

For her Australian debut over 2000 metres, the daughter of Toronado—who has a maximum past distance of 1500m—produced a promising second to barnmate Dealt With during a fast 1300m trial at Cambridge last Tuesday, affirming her readiness.

“She ran second to another one of ours, a good open (class) sprinter, and they ran a very quick time, so her trial was good and it will improve her,” James said.

“She’s another filly that lacked a bit of luck at times during the season, but she’s a highly-talented filly.

“We always thought she was up to an Australian trip but we sat at home and took things quietly and her form dictated that we’re on the right path.”

James brings proven expertise to Australian three-year-old fillies majors, having guided Sixty Seconds, Giovana and Silent Achiever to Group 1 glory alone, and Prowess and Orchestral in collaboration with Wellwood.

Confesara has been absent from the track since her tight yet dominant success in the Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) at Ellerslie back on March 7.

That performance came after a third-place finish in the Group 3 Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), where she was beaten 1.6 lengths by Belle Cheval, later winner of the Arrowfield Stud Stakes, within her six top-three placings from seven outings.

Confesara was one of 31 horses nominated for the Australasian Oaks when declarations ended late last week, with rivals such as top Victorian Getta Good Feeling, Panova ridden by James McDonald, and VRC Oaks victor Strictly Business leading the field.

Head to betting sites for the latest racing odds on the Australasian Oaks.