Special Moment an VRC Oaks contender

Posted by RS NewsWire at 8:04pm on November 2nd

Treasurethe Moment completed a winning hat-trick, in the process stamping herself the horse to beat in the Group 1 VRC Oaks, with a strong win in Saturday’s traditional lead-up, the Wakeful Stakes.

The Matt Laurie-trained filly proved too good for $1.85 favourite Powers Of Opal in the 2000-metre Group 2 at Flemington.

The victory followed wins over 1400m at Sandown and 1600m at Caulfield in restricted grade, but Laurie is now dreaming of his biggest win in racing with the winner of four of six starts who is now $3.50 Oaks favourite with Powers Of Opal.

“If she’s recovered well then we’ll be here,” Laurie said of Thursday’s Oaks.

“She’s out of a Street Cry mare and there’s a bit of staying blood line, further down the page.

“At the end of the day, you’ve got to pick an individual and if you are trying to purchase a stayer, this horse, paraded as a yearling, she screams that.

“Her work last weekend suggested she was more than up to this as a company. It’s great to try and win for Yulong. They’ve been really supportive of me and I can’t wait until next week.”

Treasurethe Moment cashed in on a sweet ride from Damian Lane, who positioned the filly in fifth spot one off the fence before pouncing on the lead at the 250m.

Powers Of Opal, who followed Treasurethe Moment ($5) into the straight, tried to go with Treasurethe Moment but could get no closer than 1-3/4 lengths, which was the margin on the line.

Third, 4-1/2 lengths back, was leader Killcare Beachgirl ($18) ahead of Powers Of Opal’s John Sargent-trained stablemate Inevitable Truth, who finished off well to remain in the Oaks picture.

While many have doubted Treasurethe Moment’s ability to run out the 2500m of the Oaks, given she is by Alabama Express, Lane endorsed her as an Oaks prospect.

“On how she went today, I think she can,” Lane said.

“She ran right to the line, so hopefully that indicates she’s going to run the trip. If we have quick ground, I think that’s going to suit her.

“She really enjoyed that firm ground, hopefully she comes through the run well and can go on the Oaks.”

The Wakeful Stakes was delayed by 10 minutes after Jamie Kah was stood down from riding in the race after her mount, Hurry Curry, headbutted while runners were milling behind the starting stalls and Ziggy Rose was also a late scratching.

Kah was re-examined by the club doctor after the running of the race and passed fit to fulfil her remaining commitments.

More Racing News

Pinstriped primed for G1 CF Orr Stakes assault

Trainer Enver Jusufovic was pleased with Pinstriped’s performance during a Cranbourne barrier trial as the gelding builds up for a Group 1 comeback at Caulfield. Pinstriped is set to compete in the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) this Saturday. The race has drawn 13 contenders, including Angel Capital, Another Wil, Just Folk,...

Today

North England serves notice to G1 Golden Slipper rivals

North England delivered a timely reminder of his Golden Slipper credentials with a commanding trial win over some leading contenders at Rosehill on Monday morning. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt showcased his speed, leaving rivals Bel Merci and Pallaton in his wake during the 900-metre workout. North England jumped...

Today

Caulfield hit-out for Schwarz in CF Orr Stakes

Trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton have had a long-range goal in place for Schwarz to win a Group 1 race and stamp his potential future as a sire. Right from the start of Schwarz’s four-year-old season, the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) has been the target contest for the...

Yesterday

J Mac to ride Rivellino in the 2025 Inglis Millennium

James McDonald has been confirmed to ride debutant winner Rivellino in the $2 million Inglis Millennium, a decision trainer Kris Lees believes adds significant confidence to their chances. Although stable apprentice Benjamin Osmond guided the colt to victory in his only start, a two-year-old maiden in January, McDonald took the reins...

Yesterday

EJ looking forward to Pinstriped return in the CF Orr Stakes

Trainer Enver Jusufovic is preparing his Group 1 winner Pinstriped for a trial at Cranbourne ahead of his racing return at Caulfield. Pinstriped is set to resume in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) on Saturday and will trial over 800m at Cranbourne on Monday. The trial, scheduled for 7am, is...

Yesterday

Tough Willaidow shines bright in the Southern Cross Stakes

Purchased for just $7000 and with one leg held together by pins, Willaidow’s tenacity on the racetrack has trainer Marc Conners dreaming of big achievements. The six-year-old gelding showcased his grit once again at Rosehill on Saturday, fending off all challengers to claim victory in the Group Three Southern Cross...

Feb 1st

She’s Bulletproof does Littlefield proud in the Bellmaine Stakes

Trainer Charlotte Littlefield is not typically known for pushing her horses hard, but she had to adopt a tougher approach with She’s Bulletproof in the lead-up to a Stakes race at Sandown. The change in training and feeding regimen paid off handsomely when She’s Bulletproof claimed victory in the Group...

Feb 1st

Inkaruna bobs into 2025 Blue Diamond Stakes contention

Daniel Moor’s dedication to riding in jump-outs at training centers, often overlooked by other jockeys, has paid off in a big way. Moor secured a late booking to ride Inkaruna in the Group 3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday after Craig Williams was unable to fulfill his engagement...

Feb 1st

Snitzel colt Blitzes rivals in the Canonbury Stakes

Trainer Gerald Ryan remains cautious about pursuing a Golden Slipper start with Blitzburg, despite the colt’s impressive all-the-way victory in the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday. Blitzburg ($4.80), the most experienced juvenile in the field of seven, surged ahead at the top of the straight and held on...

Feb 1st

Jamie Melham getting used to new name

New York Lustre will forever hold a special place in the heart of jockey Jamie Melham after securing a thrilling victory at Sandown. Trained by Enver Jusufovic, New York Lustre delivered Melham her first win since marrying fellow jockey Ben Melham last month, triumphing in the John Moule Handicap (1200m) on...

Feb 1st