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‘Underrated’ Michael Rodd retains Oceans Of Energy ride towards Queensland Oaks.
When asked if Oceans Of Energy can return to the winners' circle, trainer Matthew Dunn beamed somewhat on his filly's chances of improvement at Doomben on Saturday.
In what will be her fifth run this campaign in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m), Oceans Of Energy will be looking to bounce back after two unplaced results in black-type company at her most recent outings.
It is her work at home that has the well-travelled horseman most pleased.
"When I pushed the button the other day, she just went," Dunn said.
"She'll improve a bit and the run last time was good in the conditions."
The heavy track at Sunshine Coast on May 11 where the three-year-old by Dundeel finished fifth at $61 in the Listed Gold Bracelet (1800m) encourages him further.
That is especially as Oceans Of Energy under Michael Rodd made a run before the home turn on less favourable ground nearer the rail.
She finished four lengths away from winner Amazonian Lass – also winner of the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) during the Melbourne Cup Carnival – who made her run on the better going down the centre of the course.
"She can really come on this week, and I'd say she'll progress to the (Queensland) Oaks," he added of the Group 1 $1 million feature over 2200m on June 1.
Dunn was also quick to say that Rodd would retain the ride with some bewilderment as to why the Melbourne Cup-winning jockey isn't being seen regularly on prominent runners in South-East Queensland.
"Michael rode her really well last time and he'll stay on her," Dunn said.
"I think he's being really underrated by the big stables here."
A 34-time Group 1-winner across Australia and Singapore and placed on 72 other occasions according to Racing and Sports, Rodd has a metro-winning strike-rate of just under 14 percent in Queensland while his hits in the placings is at 37.5 percent.
Oceans Of Energy is a $126 chance in The Roses with Chris Waller's Scarlet Oak and Kiwi star Molly Bloom fighting out favouritism.
