Onemorezeta Takes Out 2014 Gucci Stakes

Onemorezeta finished over the top of Eloping and Tawteen to win the 2014 Gucci Stakes at Flemington this afternoon.

Onemorezeta scored a narrow win over Eloping in the 2014 Gucci Stakes at Flemington this afternoon. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Onemorezeta scored a narrow win over Eloping in the 2014 Gucci Stakes at Flemington this afternoon. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia

Onemorezeta started his spring campaign with a two and a half lengths win at Muswellbrook on September 21 and made it two wins from as many race starts this preparation when she took out the Time To Shop Handicap (1000m) at Warwick Farm on October 8, but faced a significant step-up in class in the Gucci Stakes.

Eloping and Tawteen both hit the front of their respective divisions on the track at the 250 metre mark and looked as though they were going to fight out the finish, but Onemorezeta stormed home late to record her maiden win at Group level.

Jockey Damien Oliver timed his run on Onemorezeta perfectly and said that he believes the daughter of Onemorenomore still has plenty to learn, but has the talent to win a lot more races at black type level during her racing career.

“She is a brave little filly,” Oliver said.

“That Eloping is very hard to get past, but she managed to wear her down.

“She is still a little bit wayward, it is only early in her career, but I think that she has a bright future.

“It is great to have a winner for Kris Lees, we go back a long way, he is having a great run and he is a great trainer.”

Trainer Kris Lees admitted before the race that he was throwing Onemorezeta in the deep end in the Gucci Stakes, but he was clearly delighted to see her record a third straight victory.

Like Oliver, Lees believes that there is still plenty of improvement ahead of Onemorezeta, but he is yet to decide on a next race start for the talented filly.

“She has come a long way in a short time,” Lees said.

“She is a real improving filly, she has plenty of upside in her and it is great to have a win for a good friend of ours in Bobby Hannon on Oaks Day.

“She was very good in the last win at Warwick Farm and it was always a risk bringing her down the straight, but that is why you put D Oliver on I suppose and that definitely helps.

“It will help the family and it is great to have a winner on Crown Oaks Day.”

Lees failed to take out the 2014 Melbourne Cup with Lucia Valentina, but Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist has now joined his stable and will be prepared for the 2015 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival by the Newcastle-based trainer.

“It is a great thrill again,” Lees said.

“I am thrilled to have such great owners in Australian Bloodstock on my side and hopefully I can do them proud.”

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Thomas Hackett

Thomas is a passionate and opinionated racing journalist and punter who has been obsessed with horse racing since he backed Saintly to win the 1996 Melbourne Cup. An international racing enthusiast, he has his finger on the pulse of racing news not just from Australia but all around the world.