Promising staying filly Unforgotten was able to run the leader Hiyaam to score a memorable win in the Group 1 $1m James Boag’s Premium Australian Oaks (2400m) on day two of The Championships at Randwick today.
Unforgotten, above, powers home to win the 2018 Australian Oaks at Randwick. Photo by Steve Hart.
The Chris Waller trained Unforgotten chased home Hiyaam last start when second in the Group 1 $500,000 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill a fortnight ago but was able to reverse the placings today with a strong finishing effort.
Michael Dee tried to repeat his front running ride that saw him win the Vinery Stud Stakes but Unforgetton ($4 favourite) proved to be the superior stayer today over the 2400m and was able to run down the front running Hiyaam ($4.60) over the final 100m.
One of the outsiders of the field, stablemate of the Mick Price trained Hiyaam, Miss Admiration ($101), ran a mighty race to grab third spot.
Winning rider Hugh Bowman had plenty of confidence in the staying ability of Unforgotten and was happy to settle the Fastnet Rock filly in the middle of the pack while Michael Dee on Hiyaam was high rolling it out in front.
Bowman eased to the middle of the track coming over the rise and once Unforgotten started to extend, it was clear that she was going to salute the judge first.
Waller has given Unforgotten the perfect Australian Oaks preparation but said that he was really not sure if the filly would run pout a strong 2400m.
“When I did see that speed like everybody else, the first question was her stamina and whether it would hold up,” Waller said.
“For a three year old filly it is quite a long way, 2400m, you don’t know until you run it.”
“She had the perfect run the way the race was run. The filly that run second was the horse to beat her home last start so we knew that that was the one to chase and she set about chasing and it was good to see her get the upper hand about a 100m to go.”
“I think she has a very bright future which is the most exciting part of this win today.”
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