It took the length of the Flemington straight for the favourite Willowy to run down a gallant Douceur in the $1million Group 1 Kennedy Oaks (2500m), but win it she did with the daughter of Kermadec crediting Damien Oliver with a record-equalling seventh win in the race and 126th victory at the highest level.
Willowy edges out Douceur in a dramatic Oaks (image Grant Courtney)
Given the run of the race, Willowy looked unlikely to run down Douceur as the Patrick Payne trained daughter of No Nay Never (USA) gave a good kick at the 200m but began to shorten stride in the final half-furlong to go down by a half-head.
The James Cummings-trained filly advances her record to three wins, one second, and one third from six starts with earnings of $817,065.
A great effort from the guys at Crown Lodge; where she first started off,” Cummings said.
“She just kept improving all the way and enough for us to have a crack at the Wakeful. We didn’t nominate many for the Oaks; we had her earmarked as one that really could.
“She’s been able to come down here, get herself together. It takes a filly with a great temperament and a great constitution to do what she’s done in the last week and she’s been able to deliver.
“That’s massive for Kermadec, who had the favourite in this race last year. Might not have got it done then but won the Metropolitan twelve months later - Montefilia.
“He’s producing these classic fillies, and we’re looking for stallions like that on the roster, like anyone.
A third consecutive Vic Oaks for the ageless Damien Oliver (image Grant Courtney)
“She’s a gun little filly. She reminds me of Faint Perfume who won this race back in 2008. You’d have to think next preparation that there’s a bit of improvement left in her.
“Damien’s a marvellous competitor, and I think he teams up really well with us because I’m in Sydney and he can give me lots of good advice.”
Oliver tied the record of Bobbie Lewis with seven wins in the race, the third in succession after Personal and Miami Bound.
The champion jockey also equalled the Group 1 record of George Moore, a record 26 Group 1 wins at the Cups Carnival and a record 83rd win at the carnival.
“It was my first sit on her, but what a dream to ride,” Oliver said.
“She dropped the bridle and went to sleep for me with the slow pace, and when I asked her for effort she quickened up well for me but crept to the second horse.
“It took a bit of getting past. I thought it had me done inside the 200m. Then I really asked her for the supreme effort over the last 50 metres and I couldn’t have asked the horse to respond better for me.
“I tried everything. Maybe I took the roaring to another level but fortunately she responded well for us. I can take some credit but James and the Godolphin team take the credit. They presented her so well. I couldn’t ask for any more.
“I’ve really enjoyed this carnival and great to finish off with an Oaks for Godolphin.
“It’s a proud moment. George Moore, Roy Higgins, they’re iconic figures in our sport, and it’s quite amazing to be sharing records with those guys. Bobbie Lewis as well.”
Willowy’s sadly missed dam Dextrous now joins a rare club of mares that have produced two Group 1 winners and four stakes-winners.
The daughter of Epsom Derby hero Quest For Fame (GB) was a class performer on the track, winning five of her ten starts highlighted by the Group II MRC Sandown Guineas.
Dextrous is the dam of Group 1 AJC Champagne Stakes winner Skilled (Commands), dual Group II winner and Group 1 Golden Slipper runner-up Sidestep (Exceed And Excel), and Group II ATC Theo Marks winner and Group 1 Epson Hcp runner-up Ambidexter (Commands).
The dam eleven foals with nine winners from as many to race, Dextrous is also the dam of the Group III-placed Flexible (Hallowed Crown), who was fourth in the Group 1 ATC Oaks.
Dextrous visited Kermadec after she failed to take on an earlier cover by the fertility challenged The Last Lion (IRE).
Willowy becomes the second Group 1 winner for Kermadec after the triple Group 1 winner Montefilia who finished third in the Kennedy Oaks as a short-priced favourite last year.
A dual Group 1 winning miler by Teofilo, Kermadec stands at Darley Stud (Vic) for a fee of $11,000.
