HEINEKEN 3 AUSTRALIAN

OAKS (GROUP 1)

TOO green in the spring to threaten in the Victoria Oaks (she was seventh), the former Darren Weir-trained Verry Elleegant has delivered Chris Waller’s third victory in the 2,400m Australian Oaks by a decisive two lengths.

Bred in New Zealand where she started her racing, the filly by the Zabeel horse Zed was a last start Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes winner and was the popular elect at even money.

“She came from Darren Weir in top order and they did a fantastic job to get her to where she was, but my team have also done a fantastic job as they do with all of our horses,” said Waller. “She was her own worst enemy last spring but I think she’ll have a great spring this year.”

Kept quiet in the early stages as the pace slowed, it was the Frankel filly Frankely Awesome who blinked first with Hugh Bowman sending her forward to take up the running 1,200 metres out.

GAME

Looking game at the top of the straight, Frankely Awesome found plenty to beat off her nearest rivals, but had no answer for the backmarkers who swooped late from out wide. A clear margin saw Verry Elleegant home with the Sebring filly Scarlet Dream running on well for second.

“She’s been a work in progress,” said jockey James McDonald. “She has been tricky but she has grown up so much. I never thought I would see the day of her relaxing over 2,400 metres, however, she has done that brilliantly. She felt even better on that track today, she ran as straight as a dime and was dominant.”