The first of three Group 2 races on Oaks Day at Eagle Farm sees a small field of six line up in what was formerly known as the P. J O’Shea Stakes. Despite the lack of numbers, all bar one runner has won at G1 level and most are with some hope. In-form mare Lights of Heaven will be looking to make it back-to-back wins in the race, having beaten Scenic Shot and Ginga Dude in last year’s edition by 2 ¾ lengths on a heavy track and along with stable-mate Manighar is favourite at $2.90
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1. MANIGHAR – B Rawiller (3)
Multiple G1 winner who, after a poor start to this campaign in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes and G1 Ranvet Stakes, is starting to find form. He ran fourth in the G1 George Ryder (1500m) behind Pierro three starts back and at his most recent start and first since coming to Brisbane, he kicked on the turn and led by a few lengths in the straight before being run down by Beaten Up in the Doomben Cup (2000m). Good run last start and picture him getting a nice trail behind stable-mate Voila Ici here.
2. VOILA ICI – G Colless (1)
8yo by Daylami who showed good signs in his initial runs for Peter Moody after arriving in Australia from Europe including a second in the G1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) but has failed to deliver on that promise in five runs since. His most recent effort was a fair seventh of eleven (beaten 2 ¼ lengths) behind Solzhenitsyn in the G3 Lord Mayor’s Cup (1600m) at his third run in this prep and first for a month. The step up in distance should suit and expect him to lead. Any rain would be a bonus but would prefer to see him win a race in Australia before backing him to do so.
3. ZABEELIONAIRE – M Rodd (2)
The winner of the G1 S.A Derby in May of last year, which coincidentally, was also his last race win. The 4yo by Zabeel has had ten subsequent starts and three this preparation with the most recent being in the Doomben Cup (2000m) where he finished last of thirteen runners, beaten seven lengths. Still yet to prove himself at this level and on last start, couldn’t see him breaking the duck here.
4. MORIARTY – N Rawiller (4)
An improving galloper who has won six of his seventeen starts since arriving in Australia from Europe including his most recent outing, the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) at Rosehill. Ridden by Rawiller, the 5yo really hit the line once clear to register a 1 ¼ length win under 58kgs. Takes on G1 company for the first time however, he is still on the improve, does posses a neat turn of foot and his trainer is in red-hot form.
5. LIGHTS OF HEAVEN – L Nolen (5)
Third runner for Peter Moody, this 5yo missed a place for the first time in six Queensland starts, albeit just, when fifth (beaten 1.2 lengths) by Beaten Up in the G1 Doomben Cup last start. This followed a win in the G2 Hollindale Cup at her previous start and it follows very similar form to when she won this race last year. She loves racing in Queensland and will not doubt give a good account of herself, especially if there is any cut out of the track.
6. QUINTESSENTIAL – D Browne (6)
4yo mare whose last two wins, although being almost a year apart, have been here at Eagle Farm, over 2400m and 2100m, on Heavy tracks. The first of those wins was this day last year when she ploughed through the mud to win the QLD Oaks and the second, was a fortnight ago where again, she relished the conditions to claim the G3 Chairman’s Handicap from Rothera. Did run fifth behind Shoot Out and Rangirangdoo under WFA in the G1 George Main Stakes last year however, for her to be winning here, think we would need to see another bog track.
OVERVIEW
Expecting the Moody pair of Voila Ici and Manighar to lead out and set only a moderate tempo. It was a good effort by Manighar last start and a repeat performance here from a forward position, will see him go very close. He is proven at this level and after some poor runs in the prep, may be peaking now at the right time. Lights Of Heaven has to go in given her recent form, record in QLD and this track where she’s two for two. However, going with the G1 maiden runner in Moriarty here. He’s an improving type with the right attributes required to be successful at G1 and in the small field, should get a comfortably run and the last shot at them.
