Arabian Gold showed she has the credentials to contest the VRC Oaks as she passed a middle-distance test with her win in the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.
But Warwick Farm trainer David Vandyke said he wants to make sure of Arabian Gold’s bona fides as an Oaks chance.
Arabian Gold, Peter Robl - Photo by Sharon Chapman
With that in mind Vandyke will run the filly in the Wakeful Stakes to determine if she is strong enough for the 2500m of the Oaks.
Arabian Gold, the $3.20 favourite, travelled comfortably in fourth and by the 200m she had raced to the lead before holding off a challenge from Solicit ($7) in winning by a half length.
Refer ($26) was 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Vandyke said the Caulfield Cup day win was special for owner Nick Moraitis who had remained in Sydney.
Among Moraitis’ many fine racing moments, none may have been greater than watching his powerhouse stayer Might And Power win the 1997 Caulfield Cup.
“That was a tough staying test and she passed with flying colours,” Vandyke said of Arabian Gold.
“I’m concerned at her running 2500 metres, especially at this age, but I can’t see them running along quicker than they just did then.
“She’s going to have the experience of this one under her belt, but we won’t go to the Oaks unless I’m one hundred per cent happy with her after the Wakeful.”
Solicit’s trainer Mark Zahra said Arabian Gold proved more seasoned than his filly but he will look for a rematch in the Wakeful in two weeks.
“If she pulls up well after the Wakeful then we will go to the Oaks,” Zahra said.
