Oasis defies top-weight in Birdcatcher The David Wachman-trained Hidden Oasis prevailed in a thrilling finish to the Birdcatcher Nursery at Naas this afternoon. The €40,000 contest was run over seven furlongs for the first time as the sprint track is currently undergoing work. Fran Berry held 15/8 favourite Hidden Oasis up in rear in the early stages before delivering his challenge on the outer with two furlongs to run. The JP McManus-owned gelding got to the front just inside the final furlong and galloped on resolutely to get home by half a length under top-weight. Focussed just edged the second from Craftsman by a head. “That was a nice and Fran gave him a good ride,” said Wachman. “He handles the easy ground well. He's pretty competitive on fast ground but seems to handle that better than most. “He probably run in stakes races next season.” The winner had landed a maiden at the Galway festival before just giving way in the closing stages on his handicap debut at Listowel.
