Is there a tougher filly in training than Oscula?
Four days after running such a narrow second in the Group 3 Valiant Stakes at Ascot, Oscula was in action again, this time outbattling Internationalangel to capture the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood.
Remarkably, the daughter of Galileo Gold has yet to be out of the first three in six starts since
returning home from the Saudi Cup meeting in February. The George Boughey-trained filly also won the Listed Eternal Stakes in late June prior to two Listed placings at Chester and Sandown.
She also ran no fewer than ten times at two, with a win in the Group 3 Prix Six Perfections and placings in the Prix Marcel Boussac, Rockfel Stakes, Albany Stakes and Prix du Calvados to show for it.
On Wednesday, Oscula answered every call of William Buick’s to run down the leader despite being caught in tight on the inner.
“Oscula is a real flagbearer for Nick Bradley, who is a big supporter of the yard," said George Boughey. “She was a huge part of our team last year. I did have my doubts about whether she would come back this year. To come back and, I’m not sure how many times she’s run already this year, but she’s a real star and just keeps trying.
“My girlfriend Laura rides her out, so it is a special success. She has run four times in July and I think she is peaking here. To have run four days ago, she is a remarkable horse. She is by Galileo Gold, who is dear to our hearts, and it means a lot.
“I sent a video to Nick and William Buick of Oscula charging around the paddock yesterday evening. She is remarkable and puts her weight back on within 24 hours [of racing]. She is a real star.
“I have her entered in a Group 3 in France in a couple of weeks but she would have a penalty now. The long-term aim is the Prix de la Foret, as she loves soft ground.”
Buick said: “Oscula is really tough. All credit to George and his team. They sent me a video of her in the paddock yesterday and she was loving life. She takes her racing extremely well and it's great.
“After Ascot, I said she must be the unluckiest horse in training, but she deserved that today. She tries very hard and is a very good filly with it.”
Owned by Nick Bradley Racing 20, Oscula was a Tattersalls October yearling purchase by Michael Aguiar and was bred in Ireland by Padraig Williams out of Bisous Y Besos, by Big Bad Bob. The mare is a half-sister to the Listed-placed Coeur d'Amour and from the further family of high-class sprinter Galeota.
With eight stakes horses to his credit, Galileo Gold is a leader among his contemporaries at stud. In addition to Oscula, his best runners include Group 1 winner Ebro River and the Listed winners Maglev and System.
