The Kiwis are poised to claim their third consecutive Nevele R Stud Victoria Oaks at Moonee Valley this Friday night after star filly Molly Darling drew the coveted pole.
New Zealand’s reigning Australasian Breeders Crown champion will now start a hot favourite to upstage the locals in the $60,000 Group 1 feature and emulate the recent deeds of countrywomen Pullover Brown (2003) and Copper Beach (2004).
The Brent Mangos trained and driven filly, a runner-up in this season’s New Zealand and New South Wales Oaks, hits town today fresh off a last start victory over rising superstar Mainland Banner in the Group 1 Nevele R Fillies Series Final.
Her main danger will come in the form of Western Australian visitor Innocent Eyes, who is unbeaten in four Victorian runs for caretaker trainer Graeme Lang.
Along with Ladyinred and Barogue Pearl, the Bryan Cousins-owned filly was one of three Prelude winners and has the versatility to offset a tricky second line draw.
The presence of brilliant front-running filly Norwood Abbey is certain to ensure a hectic tempo throughout, whilst the appearance of Oaks winners Triliner (Tasmania) and Lombo Regalia (South Australia) adds plenty of depth to the field assembled.
The line-up for the $60,000 Nevele R Stud Victoria Oaks (Group 1), to be run over 2570 metres at Moonee Valley this Friday at 9.47pm, is;
1. Molly Darling (NZ) Brent Mangos Brent Mangos
2. Lets Thank Heaven (VIC) Alan Donohoe Alan Donohoe
3. Lombo Regalia (VIC) Peter Manning Kerryn Gath
4. Starry Rainbow [Emerg] Jayne Davies Greg Bennett
5. Triliner (VIC) Jan O’Neill John Caldow
6. Ladyinred (VIC) Bill Galea Jodi Quinlan
7. Norwood Abbey (VIC) Tony Dillon Daryl Douglas
---------------------Second Row---------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Barogue Pearl (VIC) Keith Cotchin Brian Gath
9. Lombo Portrait (VIC) Jayne Davies Chris Alford
10. Arivee (VIC) Glenn Taylor Ian McMahon
11. Innocent Eyes (WA) Graeme Lang Gavin Lang
12. Matai B B C (NZ) Peter Peacock Tony Peacock
