Proxima Dea has ascended to favouritism for the upcoming VRC Oaks after maintaining her perfect race record by defeating more seasoned competitors in the Midway Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens this past Saturday.
The race produced a thrilling conclusion, with the swift galloper Doradus building a considerable six-length lead as the field entered the straight, only for Proxima Dea to eventually catch the front-runner in the closing stages.
Leading trainer David Payne has indicated his intention to prepare his promising filly for the Oaks at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Week festivities in early November.
“This filly has a lot of upside and will stay all day,” Payne commented.
“She’s very promising and I want to get her to the Oaks in the spring, that’s her main mission.
“I’ll give her 10 days in the paddock now to freshen her up as she’s very fit.
“I might look at a race like the Gloaming Stakes for her and then decide whether we stay in Sydney or send her straight to Melbourne for the Oaks.”
Proxima Dea, priced at $4, recorded her third win from as many starts in her debut racing preparation, closing strongly to defeat Doradus ($3.40) by a short head, with Prefer Diamonds ($51) a further half-neck adrift in third position.
The highly competent apprentice jockey Braith Nock piloted Proxima Dea with considerable skill, remaining composed when Doradus established a significant lead.
“I was happy enough with the run that we had,” Nock stated.
“It was a fast tempo and she was a little out of her comfort zone just to stay in touch so I didn’t want to go for her too soon.
“But when the pressure went on, she was tough right to the end.”
Proxima Dea has firmed in the betting to $8, sharing top billing with Miss Chanel for the prestigious Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 5.
Further afield, there are significant racing ambitions for the emerging talent Zalique, who managed to overcome a wide barrier to prove superior to his rivals in the TAB Highway (1400m).
Guided by an aggressive ride from champion jockey Tommy Berry, Zalique ($4.40 favourite) advanced from his wide draw to sit outside the early pace-setters before drawing clear to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths from Giddy Up Griff ($6), with Xtreme ($5.50) finishing a close third.
Trainer Matt Dunn, who was not present but spoke with Racing And Sports following the race, expressed a positive view of the developing Zalique, who has now achieved three consecutive wins this preparation from just five career starts.
“He’s only lightly-raced and still learning but he’s a promising horse,” Dunn conveyed.
“I would think he’s an ideal type for the Country Championships next autumn but I wouldn’t rule out having a look at The Kosciuszko (Everest Day, October 17).
“He puts himself into a race early, gets up on speed and gives himself every chance. He’s certainly racing in very good form.”
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