Libertybelle in good space for Oaks
Perth star Libertybelle Midfrew has drawn the front line and Melbourne-trained Nike Franco is on the second row in Friday night's $150,000 Gannon's WA Oaks (2535m) at Gloucester Park.
Gate five went to Libertybelle Midfrew and reinsman Shannon Suvaljko is expected to adopt an aggressive approach early with the filly, who is chasing her fifth successive win.
Victorian trainer Dean Braun is adamant Nike Franco will be hard to beat despite drawing gate nine.
"She's awkwardly drawn, one off the pegs on the back line. But I'm confident Morgan Woodley can quickly extricate her. At this stage, it's all systems go for a flight to Perth," Braun said.
Braun said he anticipated Nike Franco would work impressively today.
"She was a little flat after her Victoria Oaks fourth on Friday," Braun said.
"Nike Franco is bright again after an easy four days."
Artistic Copper, one of Capel trainer Andrew De Campo's three runners, drew the prized No.1 gate.
His other starters, Ima Bella Jay and Maddy White, drew six and 10 respectively.
De Campo's reinsman son Aiden, with first call on the stable drives, said he would stay with Maddy White.
"She'll be tested by starting wide on the back line," Aiden De Campo said.
"But I was impressed by her third in the Oaks Prelude."
