Ungrateful Ellen Ready for Queensland Oaks

Trainer Robert Smerdon has been thrilled with the class displayed by talented filly Ungrateful Ellen this season, and is confident the three-year-old will relish the conditions of Saturday’s featured Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Doomben.

Craig Williams will partner Ungrateful Ellen in the 2015 Queensland Oaks. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell

Craig Williams will partner Ungrateful Ellen in the 2015 Queensland Oaks. Photo: Adrienne Bicknell

Posting two wins and a further four minors through eleven career starts so far, Ungrateful Ellen returning for a credible third in the Andy’s Earthmovers BM64 (1400m) at Bendigo on April 1st; progressing to success in the Anzac Centenary Cup (1600m) before running a pleasing fifth in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) on May 2nd.

Having since placed third in the Group 3 SA Fillies Classic (2500m) on May 25th, Smerdon is confident the daughter of Grey Swallow will have no issues at the trip, but conceded it will take a monumental effort to beat leading Chris Waller-trained hopeful Winx.

“Ungrateful Ellen has come through Adelaide well, but how do you beat Winx?” Smerdon told AAP.

“But Ungrateful Ellen runs the trip and if it’s wet it won’t worry her.”

Steadily building to the task upon debuting to racing in spring, Ungrateful Ellen broke through for a maiden win in the Ords Motorcycles Plate (1300m) before running second behind Callaghan Motors BM70 (1600m) on October 26th.

Ending her campaign an impressive fourth in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) on November 15th, the filly out of Degeneres has been confirmed to be partnered by last start jockey Craig Williams and will be flown to Brisbane this evening.

Having savaged the line when fifth in the Australasian Oaks, Ungrateful Ellen was forced wide for most of the SA Fillies Classic and still finished within a length of winner Okahu Bay.

The 2015 Queensland Oaks final field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, Wednesday.

Ladbrokes Australia is currently offering the best 2015 Queensland Oaks odds, for which Ungrateful Ellen can be taken at a quote of $13 for success.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.