The Gai Waterhouse-trained Bohemian Lily stamped herself as a serious 2015 Queensland Oaks (2200m) contender with a dominant win at Doomben over the weekend; however Chris Waller remains confident he holds the strongest hand for Saturday’s feature race.
Winx remains clear favourite to win Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks. Photo: Daniel Costello
Bohemian Lily never appeared in doubt when rounding onto the final straight in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) on Saturday; kicking clear to hit the line more than four lengths ahead of closest rival Col ‘n’ Lil.
Having decided to keep leading contenders Winx and Ballet Suite out of the traditional Queensland Oaks lead-up race, Waller was impressed with the performance mustered by Bohemian Lily but told the Courier Mail he would not trade his fillies for anything in the field.
“I wouldn’t swap Winx or Ballet Suite for anything else in the Oaks,” Waller said.
“Bohemian Lily adds some extra spice in The Oaks but that is what racing is all about.
“I couldn’t be happier with my fillies.
“Queensland racing in winter promotes the new generation of horses and hopefully one of my fillies is the next horse to talk about for the spring.”
Having each posted impressive wins at their most recent starts, Waller confirmed both Winx and Ballet Suite have continued to produce high quality work and is confident they will line up for the 2015 Queensland Oaks in peak condition.
“Just to finish Ballet Suite’s preparation, we gave her a gallop at the Gold Coast and she worked extremely well,” the Rosehill-based trainer said.
“Winx had her final gallop in the Caloundra Guineas.
“Both my horses have got a great grounding for The Oaks and I couldn’t be more confident.”
Posting five wins and three minors over her 11 career starts so far, Winx carries exceptional form into the 2015 Queensland Oaks having won the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m), finishing fifth in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and second in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) leading into her Sunshine Coast Guineas triumph.
Having run a credible fourth in the Vinery Stud Stakes, Ballet Suite was unable to handle the late pace when eighth in the Australian Oaks, but responded in the best way possible in taking out the Listed Princess Stakes (2000m) at her most recent appearance on May 9th.
Ladbrokes is currently offering Winx at 2015 Queensland Oaks odds of $2.45 for success, while Ballet Suite can be taken at a quote of $8.
