Trainer Steve O’Dea still isn’t totally convinced his star filly Candika is a genuine Queensland Oaks hopeful despite her easy win at Doomben.
Given the run of the race by jockey Damien Browne, Candika ($1.95) came away to win by 3 1/4 lengths to Prada Miss ($31) in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m).
O’Dea said it was good to see that Candika was now settling in her races.
“It was only a few runs back she wanted to over-race in 1500-metre race.
“But the way she went today means we will press on to races over a bit further,” O’Dea said.
O’Dea said should Candika indicate she wouldn’t stay she could come back to the shorter races in the winter like the Queensland Guineas.
Browne said it had been a strong win in a race run to suit Candika.
“The Bracelet will give us a better idea if she can stay.”
Apart from the winner the most impressive run was from Benfica Princess ($26) who was left in front when she normally comes from well back in the field.
Benfica Princess held on to dead-heat for third with Siren’s Fury ($5.50).
Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au