Chris Waller has labelled Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick a battle between two ‘queens’ as star fillies from either side of the Tasman square off in a mouth-watering edition of the Classic.
Waller has elected not to back-up his Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) winner Aeliana, but the champion trainer will still be well represented with Kiwi import Leica Lucy (Derryn) and last-start Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) winner Belle Detelle (Zed).
Standing in their way is the Matt Laurie-trained Treasurethe Moment, the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) winner who brings a streak of seven straight victories into the race, including a last-start success in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
Leica Lucy, who has won six of her seven career starts, makes her Australian debut following her dominant win in last month’s Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m).
“It’s the New Zealand queen running against the Australian queen, without Aeliana. It’s a good race,” Waller said.
“It’s never easy getting these New Zealand horses towards the end of their campaign. New Zealand has more late-spring racing, summer racing and then the autumn racing is almost non-existent.
“We’ve done the best we can to keep her ticking over. She’s put on a bit of weight since arriving and James McDonald rides. There’s a lot in her favour.”
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