New Zealand owned and trained Terra Sancta has taken lower level opportunities
in Queensland to force her way into classic contention.The Kiwi bred daughter of Pierro was sent to the carnival in the hope she could win her way into Saturday's Group I Queensland Oaks (2200m), which she has duly done.
Terra Sancta struck first-up over a mile at Ipswich and on Sunday she was again successful in the hands of Jim Byrne over 1800m at the Sunshine Coast.
"We were on a short run-up, but Valachi Downs were keen to get her in the Oaks," trainer Tony Pike said.
"It wasn't going to be straight forward, but it's all worked out and she's in. We know she'll run the distance."
Pike said Byrne was keen to stick with Terra Sancta, bred and part-owned by Valachi principal Kevin Hickman.
"He wants to ride her. He was impressed with her first-up and yesterday the second horse was laying in on her and she still got the job done. He was happy with her and she was strong through the line."
Terra Sancta has won three of six starts and was eighth in the Group I New Zealand Oaks to Savvy Coup.
She is the first winner for minor winning Galileo mare Galshaan, who comes from a European family steeped in Black Type, so is certainly bred to be an Oaks filly.
