Nathan eyes off Group 1 double

GEELONG trainer Nathan Purdon has a strong hand in two of the Group 1 feature races at Menangle on Saturday night.

The Purdon trained star filly Amore Vita is an equal favorite for the NSW Oaks while his five-year-old mare Spellbound is well fancied to take out the Queen Elizabeth Mile.

An impressive heat winner last week, Amore Vita has to overcome a wide barrier (9) however Purdon believes the daughter of Art Major is equal to the task.

“The draw makes it a bit tricky but she is a horse with the right ability to overcome it and still be very competitive in the Oaks,” Purdon said.

Meanwhile he acknowledges there are several good chances in the Queen Elizabeth Mile of which Spellbound is one.

“There are four or five genuine winning chances and often the race opens up so we will look to slot in and make one run at them from the 400-metre mark,” he said.

Purdon said both mares will head to the spelling paddock following their assignments on Saturday night.