Crafty Irna has provided punters with another massive winning dividend after the Starcraft filly won the 2011 Adrian Knox Stakes at Randwick.
The win provides jockey Glyn Schofield with some consulation after he was defeated in the T.J Smith by Black Caviar (once again).
Crafty Irna defeated the Darley trained Raspberries, with Becerra back in third.
Crafty Irna has staked her claim for the AJC Oaks with victory in the traditional lead-up, the Adrian Knox Stakes at Randwick.
But the fillies who ran in Saturday’s Group Three will have to contend with Shamrocker who took a different path via the AJC Australian Derby where she gave the colts and geldings a comprehensive beating.
Former jockey Ron Quinton, who trains Crafty Irna ($19), has been waiting for the filly to get up to 2000 metres and had his faith rewarded when she beat Raspberries ($9) by three-quarters of a length with Becerra ($11)a long head third.
“I’ve wanted to get her up to a distance for a while but there weren’t any races,” Quinton said.
“We have taken her along very carefully.
“I’d rather it was ten days rather than a week to the Oaks but we’ve got no options so we’ll be there.”
The Oaks is now a possibility for the runner-up Raspberries who sustained a long run after being last early.
“The Oaks wasn’t the plan but she’s racing so well you can’t help looking at it,” trainer Peter Snowden said.
Rival trainer Lee Freedman will also pit Becerra against Shamrocker next week.
“It was an honest run without being glamorous,” Freedman said.
“This filly will stay 2400 metres, I know that so all being well she will be in the Oaks.”
Rose Of Peace who started the $7.50 second favourite in the Adrian Knox behind Dreamworker ($5.50) finished five lengths eighth and trainer Gary Portelli said he would adjust her gear next week.
“The blinkers will probably go on,” he said.
“She got stuck behind a horse but was just loafing along.
“I think we need to switch her on.”
Shamrocker and Brazilian Pulse, who beat her in the VRC Oaks, are the $3.50 equal favourites for next week’s race.
AAP TURF
