Pinot has stamped herself as a live chance of winning the Group 1 Crown Oaks following a dominant win in this afternoon’s Oaks Trial (1800m) at Flemington Racecourse.

Race favourite Anchor Bid (pictured) was comfortably beaten by Pinot in this afternoon's Oaks Trial at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Race favourite Anchor Bid (pictured) was comfortably beaten by Pinot in this afternoon’s Oaks Trial at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Pinot heralded plenty of interest from punters in the hours leading up to jump this afternoon and did her chances of justifying the trend no harm when jumping well and taking an ideal position in transit on the heels of early leaders Kitsune and Princess Titanic.

Receiving an ideal run in transit, the daughter of Pierro was offered a clear racing line upon arriving at the final straight and immediately responded when asked for an extra effort; storming clear and finding the line more than four lengths in clear of Think Diamonds.

Stable representative for trainers Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Roger Elliot was pleased with the filly’s performance and revealed that she will likely have a start at 2000m before taking her place in the Crown Oaks field in early November.

“She just raced a little bit keen the other day with the blinkers on, but she just relaxed nicely today,” Elliot said.

“It was a good ride by Steve. She just got held up a little bit on the corner, but when she got clear, she just ran away. We were pretty confident because she’s been going really well.

“I’d say there will be a 2000m race and then the Oaks. I think Gai is down on Saturday to have a look at them, so she’ll have a look at her and then plan it from there.”

Resounding favourite Anchor Bid was settled towards the tail of the Oaks Trial field, but was given every opportunity to run on in the final straight and while appearing to loom with 300m to travel, could only manage fifth.

Think Diamonds mustered a credible performance to finish second in the Oaks Trial and is also likely to remain on a path towards the Crown Oaks, while third-placed Sweet Mischief mustered a smart turn of foot to run on for third.

Pinot has firmed onto the top line of betting in Crown Oaks betting markets at Ladbrokes.com.au, tied with Aloisia at an $8 quote.

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Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.