A classic ride by Rhys McLeod saw Gondokoro win the Eagle Farm filly’s classic, the Group 1 $400,000 XXXX Gold Queensland Oaks (2400m) today.

Rhys McLeod and Gondokoro returning after winning the Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm. Photo by Daniel Costello.

McLeod rode the perfect race from the inside barrier giving the Pat Carey trained filly every opportunity and was rewarded with another Group 1 victory for the stable.

McLeod positioned Gondokoro hot on the heels of Dear Demi until the 800m where he was able to start a forward move when Nash Rawiller moved off the fence on the favourite.

From that point on McLeod was able to slice in between runners and hit the front at the 250m and the race all but won at that point.

“I was on Dear Demi’s back the whole way. He (Nash Rawiller) took a position one off the fence, the pace slowed a bit and I creep up and got a lovely run through,” McLeod said.

“I honestly thought I was on the best horse coming into the race and she proved it.”

Carey gave McLeod a huge wrap for a five star ride which saw the trainer  jockey combination take out their second Group 1 after winning the 2012 Group 1 $1.5m David Jones Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on Ethiopia.

“It was just a perfect ride,” Carey said.

“Rhys was able to get to where he wanted to be in the straight at the right time. He’s a very cool rider, Rhys, and he rode the lovely race.”

“She’s a very strong staying filly and she can only improve in time as she furnishes out and develops.”

“Dear Demi has had the wood on her up to today, but today was her day.”

“Credit to Gondokoro and just a classic ride from Rhys.”

Carey has no set plans in place for Gondokoro and will sit down with his owners and discuss whether they tackle the Spring races or wait for the Autumn next year.