From bronco to Oaks winner
In the face of two disappointing runs and subsequent equipment adjustment, the connections of Fayrouz were confident that the filly would have delivered on Oaks Day. This is according to Stephen Smith, the groom of Fayrouz, who expressed the view that confidence was very high and there was a “strong belief in her ability to succeed” based on her promise and the positive signs she had shown in her preparation.
Smith said he has been with Fayrouz since she was a bronco (young horse), and he has developed a special love and understanding for his horse.
“Coming along from the baby stage this horse was seen as something special, and I took the hint and paid special attention to her and looked at her everyday as she started to grow and show her good side.
“But each time it look like she ( Fayrouz) was ready to deliver; somewhere along the way she came up with something…something was missing. We tried and tried and then we got it right today (Saturday), Oaks Day.
“In her last two runs before the Oaks, after working quite well in her preparation, she failed to deliver. On close examination, I found a little problem and drew the trainer’s (Anthony Nunes) attention to it and he dealt with it well and come forward with a game plan, and it has worked so far,” Smith said.