Boom New South Wales filly White Thunder will face her toughest test yet in this Friday night’s Group 1 $60,000 Nevele R Stud Australian Oaks at Moonee Valley.
The last start Queensland Oaks winner must overcome barrier six in her bid to take her unbeaten streak to 14 and officially claim the mantle as Australasia’s premier filly.
Rated a $3.20 chance in opening markets, the Chris Robinson-trained glamour girl will clash with imposing New Zealand raider Molly Darling (gate five, $3) and pint-sized Western Australian warrior Innocent Eyes (gate two, $3.20) for the first time.
Innocent Eyes also brings an impeccable form line into battle as she strives to become the sixth horse in 11 years to claim the Victoria and Australian Oaks double.
Raced by Bryan Cousins, the father of West Coast Eagles captain and hot Brownlow favourite Ben, the tough-as-nails filly is unbeaten in five Victorian appearances for caretaker trainer Graeme Lang and has drawn to perfection in barrier two.
Molly Darling, the reigning Breeders Crown champion, was a touch disappointing when a beaten favourite in the Nevele R Stud Victoria Oaks, but bounced back to her irrepressible best with an emphatic win at Cranbourne last weekend.
Others certain to boast admirers are the noted speed machine Norwood Abbey, Queensland Oaks runner-up Ball Gown and Tasmanian Oaks winner Triliner, who’ll be guided by record three-time Australian Oaks winning reinsman John Caldow.
The line-up for the $60,000 Nevele R Stud Australian Oaks (Group 1), to be run over 2570 metres at Moonee Valley this Friday at 9.47pm, is;
1. Ladyluck [Emerg] Ruth Shinn Noel Shinn N/A
2. Innocent Eyes (WA) Graeme Lang Gavin Lang $3.20
3. Starry Rainbow (VIC) Jayne Davies Chris Alford $41
4. Barogue Pearl (VIC) Keith Cotchin Brian Gath $21
5. Molly Darling (NZ) Brent Mangos Brent Mangos $3.00
6. White Thunder (NSW) Chris Robinson Terry Robinson $3.20
7. Ball Gown (NSW) Neil Day Neil Day $15
---------------------Second Row---------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Arivee (VIC) Glenn Taylor Ian McMahon $34
9. Jerrys River (NSW) David Druitt David Druitt $34
10. Triliner (VIC) Jan O’Neill John Caldow $34
11. Lets Thank Heaven (VIC) Alan Donohoe Alan Donohoe $26
12. Norwood Abbey [ODM] Tony Dillon Daryl Douglas $10
