Skip to main content

Olive’s Exotic Deel to kick off preparation in TAB Federal

Canberra Trainer Nick Olive hopes to have identified the key to consistent success for Exotic Deel. A mare of great talent, Exotic Deel has accrued over $106,000 in prize money in a career that has produced four victories from 24 starts.

While this is a respectable record, Olive hopes keeping the daughter of Dundeel (NZ) fresh between runs will unlock the potential that she has shown glimpses of throughout her career.

Having not been sighted since April this year, Exotic Deel will tackle Friday’s TAB Federal (1300m) at Thoroughbred Park with Olive believing her work has been good enough to figure in the finish first-up.

“She’s been working incredibly well, we’re really happy with her at the moment.” Olive said. “And she’s definitely at her best first-up.”

“We would have liked a softer draw but from Barrier 12 she’ll go to where she’s naturally most comfortable and that’s to the back.”

Olive is confident Exotic Deel can kick off her preparation in style in Friday’s feature and has high hopes for a successful preparation.

“We don’t have a big target in mind for her, we’re just going to look to place her in winnable races.”

“She might spend a week or so in the paddock between races, we’ll keep her nice and fresh for each run.”

Exotic Deel will face stiff competition in the TAB Federal with Matthew Dale’s quality mare Molly Nails and last start Metropolitan winner Gusonic engaged.

The TAB Federal is Race Seven on the program and is scheduled to jump at 3:53pm.

Nick Olive will line up a strong team on his home track on Friday and mentions Roman Candle in Race Four, the Vale Shane Connolly Handicap (1300m) as one of his best chances on the day.

Pictured: Exotic Deel wins on her home track back in October 2020.