Prepared by Archie Alexander, Wheal Leisure powered away from the favourite Hardham to win the 2000 metre feature by a length and three-quarters.
Wheal Leisure was third in the Listed Tasmanian Oaks and fifth in the Group I
ATC Australian Oaks to Bonneval last season, so connections will be looking to add
further Black Type to her record in coming weeks.Wheal Leisure has just 50kg in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, so her trainer will consider all options.
"I think we should definitely think about it," Alexander said.
"Whether we want to go that way this year, there's still other nice races like the Matriarch Stakes."
A $22,000 Inglis Premier purchase from the Eliza Park International draft, Wheal Leisure has won four of nine starts earning just shy of $300,000 in prizemoney.
Wheal Leisure is the best of three winners from winning Encosta de Lago mare Sadiya, a daughter of stakes-winner and Caulfield Cup place-getter Lisa's Game.
Wheal Leisure highlights the versatility of Aquis Farm's Artie Schiller, who has sired 38 stakes-winners over varying distances with Champion 3YO Sprinter Flying Artie his best offspring.
A Group I winning son of El Prado, Artie Shiller stands at Aquis Farm at Murrurundi at a fee of $33,000.
