New Zealand trainer Roger James unearthed a possible surprise Australian Oaks contender when Full Of Spirit scored a comprehensive win in the Group Three Adrian Knox Stakes.
The filly was originally earmarked for a race in the South Island on Saturday until James talked the owners into coming to Sydney instead for the traditional Oaks lead-up over 2000 metres at Randwick.
If they decide next week’s Oaks is where the filly should go, she will have to be supplemented at a cost of $15,400 as she isn’t among the nominations.
“She only arrived at 11pm on Wednesday,” James said.
“It was her first run at further than a mile (1600m) and she did it well.
“She was on her way to the South Island but I talked them into coming over here.
Full Of Spirit’s three-length victory at Awapuni two weeks ago prompted James to consider the Adrian Knox and also influenced bookmakers and punters with the filly sent out the $2.70 favourite.
She travelled sweetly midfield and strode to the lead in the straight to put a length on Plumm ($4.40) with Secret Liaison ($6) a head away third.
Her jockey James McDonald has no doubt she can be a force in the Oaks if that’s her destination.
“She’s a beautiful filly and she’s going to be hard to beat in the Oaks,” he said.
“Over 2400 metres I would ride her more conservatively.
“She has a great turn of foot.
“She probably just coasted to the line today.
“There was a lot to look at on a big race day so she got there and clocked off a bit.”
The best of trainer Guy Walter’s trio was Lightens ($16) who finished fourth.
Walter said she might head to the Oaks but Pale (eighth) and Colourist (10th) were unlikely.
The trainer has the dominant favourite for the Oaks in proven Group One performer Streama, winner of the Flight Stakes in the spring and runner-up to the VRC Oaks winner Mosheen in the Vinery Stud Stakes last week at her first attempt at 2000 metres.
Trainer Grahame Begg said Adrian Knox runner-up Plumm would be sent for a break and would not contest the Oaks.
