The $75,000 VRC Kennedy Oaks Preview (1800m) was run at Flemington on Sunday with victory going to a lightly raced So You Think filly that was sent out favourite despite it being just her second race start.
Trained by master conditioner of staying fillies John Sargent, So Dazzling was an eye-catching debut fifth at Warwick Farm over 1400m last month and showed some serious staying potential with this stylish win.
She trucked up to the leaders and held her ground strongly in the heavy 10 conditions to win by the best part of a length for Damien Oliver in the famous Dato Tan Chin Nam colours carried by her sire.
“She didn’t show any speed at all early, but she was great the last 150 of her race last time, like the distance was going to suit her today and it did,” Oliver said.
“These colours are famous for staying races and John Sargent certainly knows what he’s doing with staying horses so she’s got a bit going for her.”
A $200,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase from the Beaufort Downs draft for DGR Thoroughbred Services / John Sargent Racing, So Dazzling is the first winner for smart winning Lonhro mare Dazzling Lady, a half-sister to the dam of stakes-winner The Gift.
Her grand-dam Stella’s Pantry is a half-sister to Group II winner Twiglet, the dam of Group I winners Easy Rocking and Fairy King Prawn as well as stakes-winner Crevette, the dam of another Group I winner Cosmic Endeavour.
