Karaka Graduate Chasing Her Second Oaks

Media Release - Wednesday February 19

Group One-winning filly Miami Bound will begin her autumn campaign at Caulfield on Saturday when she lines-up in the Gr.2 Autumn Classic (1800m).

Miami Bound  wins the VRC Oaks - image Grant CourtneyThe New Zealand-bred filly was a last-start winner of the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) in November and trainer Danny O’Brien is looking forward to setting her on another Oaks bid.

“She has had one trial and was just building fitness, but she went nicely and has had a couple of solid gallops the last couple of weeks,” O’Brien said. “We have been very pleased with her.”

O’Brien said the daughter of Reliable Man has matured since the spring and is looking forward to her resuming on Saturday.

“She has definitely got the natural maturity, which you would expect from a spring three-year-old to an autumn three-year-old.

“She is a little bit stronger and a little bit heavier. She tips the scales 30 kilos heavier than she was on Oaks day.

Advertisement

“To our eye she is improving and we are looking forward to the autumn.

“She will have the two runs in Melbourne, so Saturday and then she runs at Moonee Valley in the Alister Clark (Gr.2, 2040m).

“That gives us a two week break to the Vinery (Gr.1, 2000m) and then two weeks to the (Australian) Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m).”

O’Brien purchased Miami Bound out of Westbury Stud’s 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $120,000. – NZ Racing Desk

Visit the profile page for Reliable Man

Reliable Man in upcoming sales:
Advertisment
More Reading...
Smart Hanseatic Winner on Sunday
Platinum Pantheon was a long way from home when he stepped out at Ashburton on Sunday, but that didn’t stop the sharp three-year-old from dominating his maiden rivals in the McCrea Family 1200.
First winner for White Robe Lodge's Ancient Spirit
Ancient Spirit (Ger) is on the victory board and White Robe Lodge is expecting his progeny to continue to build winning momentum as the season rolls on.
Sires With Winners - Monday October 20
Here is the full list of 21 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Flying Artie HK Star Wins G2 Sha Tin Trophy
The Mark Newnham trained Flying Artie gelding My Wish continued his rise through the grades in Hong Kong with a decisive win in the Group II Sha Tin Trophy (1600m) on Sunday leading home an Aussie bred trifecta.
Delacroix Brings Dubawi Outcross to Coolmore Roster
Blueblood 3YO Dubawi colt Delacroix has been retired and the dual Group I winner will stand at Coolmore in Ireland in 2026.
Vale, Dual Cox Plate Hero So You Think
In Cox Plate week when we remember some of the all time great Cox Plate winners, So You Think is a name that will always come into the conversation with tragic news from Coolmore on Monday announcing his sudden passing. 
Pedigree Watch - British Champions Day – Expect the Unexpected
Five G1 races were contested at Ascot overnight as the British flat season culminated with a dazzling day of racing, but there were shocks and surprises with only two favourites saluting on a day which was significant back in 2023 as the last time Via Sistina (IRE) raced in the Northern Hemisphere.
Applications Now Open for 2026 Aushorse Graduate Program
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) and Aushorse are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Aushorse Graduate Program.
Sires With Winners - Friday October 17
Here is the full list of 56 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Saturday October 18
Here is the full list of 130 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.