Trans-Tasman Pin Up Girls Clash in Oaks

Media Release - Friday April 11

New Zealand’s star filly Leica Lucy will test her talent against Australia’s best on Saturday when she heads to Randwick in a bid to double her Oaks tally.

The daughter of Derryn was a near unstoppable force in New Zealand, defeated in just one of her seven starts for former trainer Robbie Patterson, culminating in victory in last month’s $1 million Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.

Leica Lucy (inside) winning the $1 million Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m).  Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

She has made her way across to Sydney where she has joined leading trainer Chris Waller’s Rosehill barn, and her new handler has been pleased with the way she has settled into her new environment.

“She has had a long prep, but obviously a very successful preparation,” Waller told Trackside. “Robbie Patterson has done an amazing job with her, not just to win the Group One, but to get her on that path and be the best filly in New Zealand. It’s an honour to be taking over from Robbie.

“Since being here, she has settled in really well. She is eating well and has put on weight and adapted well to Sydney.”

Leica Lucy will face her stiffest task in Saturday’s A$1 million Australian Oaks (2400m) where she will be met by the Matt Laurie-trained Treasurethe Moment, who has won her last seven outings, including the Gr.1 Victoria Oaks (2500m).

Waller said there are a few unknown variables heading into the weekend, but he is looking forward to seeing the contest between the two fillies.

Advertisement

“It’s her (Leica Lucy) first run right-handed, but on the track she seems fine, she is getting used to it,” he said. “We have got James McDonald aboard, a good draw (1) and what looks to be a very good edition of the Oaks with Treasurethe Moment being the pin-up girl for Australia.

“New Zealand’s pin-up girl and Australia’s pin-up girl are ready to clash.”

The question was raised whether to press on towards the Australian Oaks with Leica Lucy following a busy schedule in her homeland, but Waller said all signs point towards a bold showing in her Australian debut.

“I have got confidence that she will run up to her best based on her body language and eating well,” he said.

“I can’t change her or improve her or make her go any worse. We are relying on her ability, which is the best filly in New Zealand at the moment, coming to Australia and bringing that form.

“We have kept things simple. She has run over 2400m already, just three weeks ago, so based on that I am just banking on her turning up.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
NZ Oaks Favourite Leica Lucy Ready for her Kiwi Finale
Robbie Patterson couldn’t have wished for a smoother preparation with Leica Lucy into Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham where the filly will make her Kiwi swansong as hot favourite in the $1 million feature.
One to Watch – Scone
Kris Lees often sends a talented horse to the country to cast off maiden status and a two year-old Exceedance gelding did just that on debut at Scone on Monday.
Capitalist 2YO Wins for Doyle
Nathan Doyle and his team would be bubbling with excitement surrounding the return of their unbeaten G1 star Private Harry, but as they say ‘little fish are sweet’ and the stable were in the winner’s circle at Wyong on Tuesday with a two year-old son of Capitalist.
Ardrossan Supporters Rewarded with Taken
The emergence of the Victorian-based Taken is another winning story for a New Zealand breeding and ownership group established to support the three-year-old’s young sire.
One to Watch – Wyong
The juvenile maiden at Wyong on Tuesday had some interesting runners including the highest price yearling by Maurice (Jpn) sold in 2024 and he did take the win, but it was not without drama.
G1 Tatts Tiara – Where Are They Now?
The last Group I race of the Australian racing season, the $700,000 Tatts Tiara (1400m) will be run this Saturday and as a fillies and mares feature the winner is often headed straight to stud, so we’re taking a look at where these girls are at.
Sires With Winners - Monday June 23
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Waikato Stud Weanling Draft Showcases Super Stallions
After a phenomenal few months for Waikato Stud’s stallion roster, the world-renowned nursery will offer six select progeny of those high-flying sires at this week’s NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka.
Leica Lucy Wins G1 NZ Oaks - Next Stop Australia
Leica Lucy signed off the New Zealand stage of her career with a Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) victory that showcased all of the class and courage that has made her this season’s standout filly.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday June 24
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.