Zavannahgold and Coffeeberry are both nominated for the 2000m Zimbabwe Oaks (L) at Borrowdale Park on Saturday 29 July.

If they stand their ground, it should be a worthwhile race.

Coffeeberry won the 2400m Zimbabwe Derby (Gr3) at the last meeting, while Zavannahgold raced in the 1900m Republic Cup won by Down to Business.

Zavannahgold won the 1800m Silver Slipper (L) on the first of July with Wes Marwing on board. Coffeeberry was five lengths behind her, so on paper I would think Zavannahgold is in with a massive shout in the Oaks.

However, this three-year-old filly’s performance in the Republic Cup seemed too bad to be true. Fortunately, her trainer, Bridget Stidolph, agrees we can draw a line through that.

The Zimbabwe Oaks is the last leg of Zimbabwe’s Triple Tiara. The 1600m Fillies Classic, the first leg, was won by Jacky Sparrow in May, and Zavannahgold was just a quarter of a length behind her. Walking Thru Time came third and Coffeeberry, fourth, was six lengths back.

Of course, this is all useless speculation, as the final Oaks field will only be known next week.

Photograph by Zimbabwe Equine News