In-form filly Pinot has to beat the odds on favourite Aloisia to give Tulloch Lodge co-trainer Gai Waterhouse her first win in the Group 1 $1m Kennedy Oaks (2500m) at Flemington today.
Pinot, above, can give Gai Waterhouse her first win in the VRC Oaks at Flemington. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.
Pinot has had a perfect Kennedy Oaks lead up with a win in an 1800m three year old fillies Plate at Flemington on September 27 followed by a win in the Group 3 $150,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 21.
The Pierro filly is marked as the second pick for Kennedy Oaks at $6.50 with Ladbrokes.com.au while the Aaron Purcell trained Aloisia is the ruling $1.55 favourite after winning the Group 1 $500,000 Schweppes Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 14 and she also beat the colts and geldings in the Group 2 $200,000 Drummond Gold Vase (2040m) at The Valley on October 28.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott said that Waterhouse has worked hard to try and win a VRC Oaks and is hoping this is the year.
“That’s certainly one race that Gai was really keen on and intent on trying to win this year,” Bott told AAP.
“She’s never won a VRC Oaks so it’s certainly one that she’s been very keen to try to capture.”
Pinot is out of the Zabeel mare Dizelle and Bott has no doubts that the filly will handle the step up to the 2500m for the first time at her sixth race start.
“She’s bred to get it,” Bott said.
“She’s an out-and-out stayer and I’m really looking forward to seeing her at that trip. She’ll be one of the ones that will certainly really appreciate it.”
Melbourne jockey Stephen Baster has been aboard Pinot in all her five starts to date and will have her in a prominent position from the outset from barrier six in the twelve horse Kennedy Oaks field while Luke Nolen will slot in on Aloisia just off the pace from barrier nine.
