Socks Nation Carries Class Edge

Winner of the Gr1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) in June last year – see below –  the Ciaron Maher trained Socks Nation (Sioux Nation-Tahnee Tiara, by Commands) runs second up in Saturday's Gr3 Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Miles (1600m). First up last campaign she finished tenth of fifteen over 1400m, and first up this campaign she finished ninth of 11 over 1300m, beaten a similar margin on both occasions. It's worth noting that second up last campaign she produced an outstanding effort to finish third over 1600m in the Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes behind Atishu (Savabeel) and Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni), and come Saturday, she is back over the mile. While she does have barrier 14 and the co-top weight of 59.5kg, the services of leading jockey Mark Zahra should help negate any of the negatives. With plenty of options open to the 4yo throughout the carnival, Socks Nation is being sold at the upcoming Magic Millions Broodmare Sale as Lot 483 as part of the Newington Farm Premium Consignment. With just one runner coming into the race in winning form, the $200,000 contest appears open with the race favourite being Socks Nation's stablemate Vivy Air (Hellbent-Head Over Heels, by Fastnet Rock). A last start fourth in the $500,000 The Coast beaten just over a length and a half, the worrying factor is the Jason Collett ridden mare has not won since September 2023.