Popular Warwick Farm trainer Guy Walter landed his third Australian Oaks when Streama gave favourite backers a scare before claiming the Classic at Randwick on Saturday.
Ridden a patient race by Hugh Bowman, Streama looked to have given away too big a start when the field turned for home but showed great fighting qualities to run down the leaders Aliyana Tilde and Thy who filled the minor placings.
Streama winning today's Group 1 Australian Oaks - Photo by Steve Hart
It was Streama’s second win at Group One level after she took out the Flight Stakes (1600m) in the spring and Walter, who won the 2400m feature with Republic Lass in 2002 and Wild Iris in 2004, was rapt in her effort.
“I think she can just go from strength to strength,” he said of the filly who took her record to six wins and five placings from 13 starts for prizemoney in excess of $1 million.
Bowman, who has ridden Streama at every start, was full of praise for the daughter of Stratum.
“She’s been wonderful to me,” he said.
“It’s a bloody privilege to be associated with a horse like this.
“If anyone can get a horse to peak on the day it’s Guy Walter.
