Trainer Tom Clover is starting to discover what dreams are made of following the rapid-fire progress of his Dubawi filly Rogue Millennium from a Wetherby maiden to the SBK Oaks Trial in the space of just two weeks.
Newmarket-based Clover had no hesitation in stating his intention to supplement his 15-2 Lingfield winner into the Oaks itself after she had gamely resisted the renewed challenge of long-time leader Mystic Wells under Jack Mitchell by a head.
His statement that at this time of year with a fast-improving distaffer the sky can quickly become the limit holds water, and especially so to the 200-plus members of The Rogues Gallery syndicate that own the winner.
Clover explained: “They are great sporting people who absolutely adore it. Whether it’s an owners’ event or a day trip to watch the horses, their enthusiasm is boundless.”
Detailing the claims of his winner, Clover, whose first runner in a Classic she will be, went on: “She’s by the right sire and we decided before coming here that if she won she would be added to the Oaks field.
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“She’s still green, and has improved with each piece of work. I actually feel a little guilty about asking her to go to Epsom, but we have to go. She’s just flourished and I hope she can continue to progress.”
Mitchell alluded to the inexperience of his mount when summarising her run to the owners, a large potion of whom were on hand to watch her unsaddle.
The jockey said: “She was rolling about a bit coming down the hill, but once she levelled out she was strong right the way to the line.”