The 2015 Queensland Oaks nominations have been released and Chris Waller-trained Winx is a chance of making the trip to Brisbane for the Group 1 event at Doomben on May 30.
Winx could have the chance to record a maiden win at Group 1 level in the 2015 Queensland Oaks. Photo by: Steve Hart
Winx started her autumn campaign with credible performances in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on February 14 and the Group 2 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm on February 28 before she returned to winning form with an impressive effort in the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 14.
The Street Cry filly had no luck whatsoever when fifth in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens on March 28 and she arguably should have finished closer to the winner when second in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 11.
Waller has also included Ballet Suite and Wine Tales in the 2015 Queensland Oaks nominations and he could end up with a very strong hand in the Group 1 event.
Ballet Suite has been all but confirmed to make the trip north to Queensland and has been given a freshen-up since she had a tough run in transit in the Australian Oaks, while Wine Tales could be given a second straight start at Group 1 level after she contests the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) in Adelaide on Saturday.
The Australasian Oaks could be a key form guide to the Queensland Oaks as the likes of Kansas Sunflower, Jurasound, Ungrateful Ellen, Cathy’s Mark and Hipster Girl are all a chance of contesting both races.
Leading Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse is also expected to have a strong presence in the Queensland Oaks after she included progressive filly Bohemian Lily in the initial entries for the Group 1 event.
Bohemian Lily was sent to Australia by owner Kevin Hickman following her fourth place finish in the Group 2 Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day and she made her Australian racing debut in the Drummond Golf Handicap (1600m) at Warwick Farm on April 8 before she stamped herself as a genuine Queensland Oaks contender with a strong staying win in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) on April 25.
A total of 84 fillies were included in the 2015 Queensland Oaks nominations and are horses of interest include Abduction, Bronte Babe, Glorious Red, Haut Chapeau, Keep The Klass, Kissed By The Sun, Tears Of Joy and Swift Lady.
