Racing
Lingani set to shine at Oakbank
After three runs from a spell, Lingani is ready to strike form at Oakbank.
Experience at the tricky Oakbank circuit is a must.
While Lingani is yet to race at the track in the Adelaide Hills, her trainers, husband and wife duo Peter and Belinda Blanch, are confident it will hold no fears when the mare lines up in the Listed Railway Stakes (1100m) on Saturday.
Lingani has trialled successfully at Oakbank previously, winning her only two appearances, and Belinda Blanch said the mare was ready to strike form.
It will be Lingani's fourth run of the campaign on Saturday and Blanch said the mare had been racing well this time in without any luck.
At her most recent appearance, Lingani finished seventh in the Listed Manihi Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville on March 9.
"She needed a couple of runs to get going as she's a bit older and a bit bigger now after a decent spell," Blanch said.
"Her last start was much better than it looked. She got in all sorts of trouble when she was held up from the entrance to the straight to the 100-metre mark.
"She went looking for four or five runs and everything kept closing up on her.
"From my point of view, watching it live, she was full of running and wanted to be there, in the zone, but couldn't get the run through.
"When she did get clear, she couldn't pick herself up, she needed time to wind up.
"We put her out for a week after that to give her a freshen up with the plan then to go to the Railway Stakes."
To make sure Lingani's fitness levels are where they need to be for Saturday's contest, the mare was taken to Strathalbyn last week where she won a trial.
"It was raining when I got there, which was great, because she loves it, and she trialled really well," Blanch said.
"Any rain (on Saturday) would be great. Peter and Belinda Blanch
"She's won a couple of trials at Oakbank and if they can handle that hill, then that's half the battle."
The Blanch's will also take Lingani's younger half-sister Boolcunda Dawn to Oakbank on Saturday to run in the opening race, The Shillabeer (1400m).
Boolcunda Dawn was successful over Saturday's course and distance on March 18, her most recent outing.
"She won there last start and we're hoping she can go close again," Blanch said.
"She's also a big horse and has taken a bit of time to mature and come into her own and we think there are better things in store for her."
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