Today’s Wakeful Stakes winner Miami Bound will have no trouble backing in five days for the Group 1 $1m Kennedy Oaks (2500m) at Flemington.
Miami Bound, above in white and blue colours, scores a tough win in the Wakeful Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Steve Hart.
Miami Bound put in a terrific Kennedy Oaks trial when she gave jockey Damien Oliver the record for the for most number wins ever over the four day Melbourne Cup Carnival with a tough win in the Group 2 $300,000 G.H. Mumm Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.
“It is a huge thrill and a great honour,” Oliver said.
“They have been racing here for over 150 years and it is something I am really proud of.”
“And it is just nice to ride a winner on Derby Day.”
Oliver had Miami Bound ($8) settled just behind the pace before the Danny O’Brien trained filly surged to the front at the 300m mark.
Runner up Vegas Jewel ($3.70) threw done the challenge over the final 50m but couldn’t match it with the winner in the run to the line with Palumbo ($26) battling on for third place.
The $2.90 favourite Flit was always well back in the field and struggled to pick up the placegetters and wound up in fourth spot.
O’Brien said that Miami Bound was a tough filly and will have no problem backing up on Thursday to try to emulate her dam Arapaho Miss who won the Crown Oaks in 2007.
“It was a good tough staying effort and we think she will be even better when she steps out to 2500m,” O’Brien said.
“He mother won the Oaks. We have had this in mind for her for the last twelve months.”
“We have the first one out of the way and hopefully we can prep her up well and bring her back Thursday.”
“She is strong the next day after a race and I don’t think going to 2500m will change her.”
“It (The Wakeful Stakes) has been a good form line for many years and hopefully it works again this year.”
Miami Bound has firmed up dramatically in the Kennedy Oaks betting from $10 to be the equal $3.60 favourite with Vegas Jewel at Ladbrokes.com.au.
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