A Return to The Oasis for another celebration

Newmarket trainer Phil McEntee has a knack of finding one horse every season that can run up a sequence of victories, continually defying the handicapper.

When Midnightattheoasis landed a big gamble at Wolverhampton despite significant trouble in running I put the 5yo down as a potential improver and possibly the horse for 2025 that could extend a remarkable run for the yard.

We backed the gelding at Newcastle on Tuesday to take a step in that direction and he duly delivered, it is no surprise that he is turned out just 3 days later at Lingfield on Friday under a 5lb penalty again with Rossa Ryan booked and again well drawn in stall 5.

I would normally be slightly concerned that the 5f at Lingfield might be too sharp for the hat-trick bid. However, the race will be ran at a very strong pace and this should play into the hands of Rossa Ryan to deliver Midnightattheoasis fast and late inside the final furlong.

After the win on Wednesday Ryan immediately commented – ‘he will win again’ and said he got the front too soon suggesting he had a lot more in hand than the neck margin.

Here is the list of multiple winners for McEntee in recent years that have been able to set up a sequence once starting their winning streak.

2024 – Jacqueline Won 5 of 6 Races contested in 32 days Starting from a mark of 54 winning her 5th race off a mark of 75

2024 – Marching Mac Won 4 from 5 races contested in 23 days Starting from a mark of 60 – winning the 4th race off a mark of 78

2023 – Alafdahl Won 4 from 4 races contested in 40 days starting from a mark of 52 winning her 4th race off a mark of 72

2022 – Tell me Nowt Won 4 out of 5 races contested in 45 days starting from a mark of 50 winning 4th race from a mark of 64

2021 Nortonthorpe Boy – Won 5 out of 6 races contested in 49 days starting from a mark of 58 winning his 5th race of a mark of 80

If i am right about Midnightattheoasis, who started his winning streak of a mark of 46, following in this notable list of Phil McEntee trained horses we should be drinking champagne at the oasis not only Friday but possible on a couple more occasions. The 10lb increase from his first win does not look anywhere near enough to stop him completing the hat trick.

Recommended Bet 3.00pt Midnightattheoasis 3.57 Lingfield Friday.