NZ Oaks Contender to Run for Australian Bloodstock

Media Release - Wednesday March 16

Promising filly Le Villi will carry new colours when she lines-up in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Le Villi will line-up in the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

Australian Bloodstock purchased the daughter of Puccini following her fifth placed run in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie last start and they could receive an immediate return if she performs well this weekend.

Trainer John Wheeler was pleased with her run at Ellerslie last start and he believes the 2400m won’t be an issue for her.

“I was very happy with her,” he said. “She took a couple of days to get over it but once she did, she has carried on like she did before. She is well ahead of Saturday.

“I have got no doubt about her getting the distance, which is a big plus, because a lot of them will struggle to get the distance.

“She is pretty fit, so I am pretty happy with her.”

While Wheeler is only promised the one further run with the filly, she could remain in his care for a tilt at the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick if she were to perform well this weekend.

“At this stage she is in my care until after the Oaks, but they did say they would leave her to me to take her to the AJC Oaks if she went well enough. But they own the horse, so they are the ones that make the decisions,” Wheeler said.

Advertisement

Wheeler will also line-up last year’s Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) runner-up Beaudz Well in the Listed Barneswood Farm New Zealand St Leger (2600m).

“He was very disappointing last start, but I thought his runs before that were good, I was very happy with him,” Wheeler said.

“I don’t know whether the track at Ellerslie was a little too firm for him last start, he prefers some cut in the ground.

“He has worked well since and there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with him. He is going to be a good chance in the St Leger.”

Wheeler’s Trentham team will be rounded out by Pinsk in the New World Churton Park Premier (2200m).

“It’s her first run over ground, so we will see what happens,” Wheeler said. “She is destined to be a staying mare.

“She is going pretty well and her work has been good, and her recent racing has been good, so I expect her to go a really nice race.” – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Monday June 30
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
NZ Racing Woman of the Year
Caitlin O’Sullivan Doyle has been immersed in racing from a young age and she was recognised for her individual contribution to the industry at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards on Sunday.
Kiwi Innovator Recognized
Emma Thompson was stepping into the unknown when taking on the role as Programme Lead for the NZB Kiwi, and after executing an outstanding inaugural running in March, she was recognised at Entain’s Industry Excellence Awards.
Starlust Retired - Riverstone Lodge Next Stop
Zoustar’s brilliant Group I winning son Starlust (GB) has been retired following his excellent close up fourth in the Group I King Charles Stakes (5f) at Royal Ascot last month.
Levakia Adds to Good Week for Curraghmore
Emerging filly Levakia has given Curraghmore further cause for celebration.
G1 Older Sprinters- Are Our Sprinters the Best in the World?
The Australian G1 season has concluded and there were 23 Group I races won by older horses at a distance less than 1600m, but one race that fits the category but is yet to be given G1 status is the $10million Golden Eagle (1500m) and form out of it would suggest it was the best of them all.
One to Watch – Ireland
We look at a lot of race results at Breednet and when a three year-old half-sister by Wootton Bassett (GB) to Australia’s champion sire elect of 2025, Zoustar, breaks her maiden that is always going to catch our attention.
Istataba adds international flavour to National Online Breeding Stock Sale
Buyers can currently bid on 11 stakes-performed mares in the National Online Breeding Stock Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, including one that brings South American bloodlines and Singaporean racetrack performance.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday July 1
Here is the full list of 8 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Alice Jeffries - Rising Star in Breeding Industry
Alice Jeffries didn’t always see a future for herself in the breeding industry, but a very special filly played a key role in getting her to where she is today, working as Cambridge Stud’s Assistant Yearling Manager, and receiving Entain’s Newcomer Excellence Award on Sunday.