The Group I SAJC Schweppes Oaks was run last week and won by Toffee Tongue, but there’s still the Group III SAJC Fillies Classic (2500m) to come in two weeks time and a couple of impressive winners at Murray Bridge are looking towards that goal.
Third in the Listed SAJC Laelia Stakes (1600m) and sixth in the Group III SAJC Auraria (1800m), the Antony Freedman trained So You Think filly Realm of Flowers had good form for the Benchmark 60 event over 2000 metres and duly powered home to salute as a short priced favourite.
She has the overall record of three wins from six starts and would not have been out of place in the Group I Schweppes Oaks last weekend, but the decision to wait for the G3 Fillies Classic may prove an inspired one.
A $180,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Arrowfield draft for renowned bloodstock agent James Bester, who has a share in the ownership, Realm of Flowers runs for a syndicate that also includes Kia Ora and Robert McClure, who raced multiple Group I winning filly Yosei, who carried the same colours as this filly.
She the third winner from three to race from Astral Flower (GB), a half-sister by Kalanisi to Group I winner and sire Redwood, who is by So You Think’s sire High Chaparral.
Astral Flower is a grand-daughter of French Oaks winner Jolypha, a full sister to Champion 3YO and European Horse of the Year Dancing Brave, so this is a pedigree steeped in world class classic stamina.
Promising filly Aguante is also being set for a tilt at the G3 Fillies Classic after her impressive win in the 2000 metre maiden.
The New Zealand-bred daughter of Reliable Man ran away to a comfortable six length victory in her first start out of Michael Hickmott’s stable and he is excited about her prospects.
Aguante previously had three starts for New South Wales trainer Brad Widdup for one placing over 1875m at Newcastle in March.
“She came in very good condition from Brad Widdup,” Hickmott said. “I was very happy with the condition she came in. I have just ticked her over for three weeks and pressed on from there.
“She is going to head off to the South Australian Fillies Classic, it’s a 2500m Group Three in 10 days time. I am really looking forward to that as well.”
