Consistent Victorian filly Hiyaam was back to her best with an all the way win in the Group 1 $500,000 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill today.

Hiyaam, above, cored an all the way win in the Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Hiyaam, above, cored an all the way win in the Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

The Mick Price trained Hiyaam ($12) was able to reverse the placings on runner up Unforgotten ($3.70 favourite) after she ran third to the Chris Waller trained filly last start in the Group 2 $200,000 Chandon S Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 17.

Aloisia ($5) ran a brave race after being wide to finish third with the James Cummings trained Alizee ($7) sticking on for fourth.

Winning jockey Michael Dee decided to take Hiyaam to the front from the outset and the filly travelled well in front and was strong at the end of the 2000m.

“Credit to the filly. Last prep I was riding her a bit too pretty. Today there was no speed in the race so from the one pole we just elected to roll forward and dictate terms. She was way too good in the end,” Dee said.

“This is right up there, it’s my third Group 1 now but that’s my favourite one winning for my old boss and master Mick Price. He’s given me a lot of support since I came over here so big thanks to him.

“No worries at all (at the trip). Even after the line. I was still humming down the side. Bring on the Oaks that is for sure. If she can get the run lead and run in the Oaks she will be hard to beat that is for sure.”

Hiyaam and Unforgotten are likely to clash again in the Group 1 $1m James Boag’s Premium Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in a fortnight on day two of The Championships.

Kerrin McEvoy settled Unforgotten near the tail of the field and the Fastnet Rock filly made up plenty of lengths in the straight and is now the $4 favourite for the Australian Oaks while Aloisia is now on the second line of betting at $7 just ahead of New Zealand Oaks winner Savvy Coup at $8 and Hiyaam at $9.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.