Written by Paul Vettise
Evergreen jockey Damien Oliver created his own piece of Flemington history when he was successful aboard Miami Bound (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) to become the most successful carnival rider at Victorian headquarters.
Oliver surpassed by one the mark set by the late Bobby Lewis when he guided the filly to victory in the G2 GH Mumm S. and the 73rd festival success of his long and decorated career.
“I haven’t really been thinking about it until someone mentioned it the other day,” he said. “It’s a huge thrill and there’s a lot of history here. It’s a bit unreal to think I’ve been the most successful.
“It’s something I’m very proud of and I’ve got so many great memories of this carnival.”
Oliver gave Miami Bound his usual professional ride and they settled close to the pace and one off the fence. He presented the filly at the right time and she stayed on strongly over the closing 250 metres.
“It’s something I’m very proud of and I’ve got so many great memories of this carnival.” – Damien Oliver
Miami Bound opened her campaign with a winning Bendigo double before she was third in the G2 Edward Manifold S. and fourth in the G2 Norman Robinson S.
“It’s good to see her back on track. Her first two runs back this preparation were fantastic and we thought we had an Oaks filly and then the last two left us wondering a little bit,” Oliver said.
“It was a nice, evenly run race and she had a good run and she was brave when I wanted her to be.”
Damien Oliver following his win on Miami Bound (NZ)
Miami Bound is prepared on the course by Danny O’Brien and he said a year of planning had gone into this week.
“We’ve had this in mind for 12 months, to have her ready for the Wakeful and then onto the Oaks. Everything has gone to plan and we’ve got the first one out of the way and hopefully we’ll be back on Thursday and she’ll be right in the finish of the Oaks.”
“We’ve had this in mind for 12 months, to have her ready for the Wakeful and then onto the Oaks.” – Danny O’Brien
“It was a nice, even gallop and that suited her and a strong staying test suited her as well. I think getting out to 2500 metres will be good and she’s had a beautiful preparation.
“She’s capped it off by winning the Wakeful, which is usually a great guide for Thursday.”
The Gerry Harvey-bred filly certainly has the pedigree to stay as her mother Arapaho Miss (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) won the G1 VRC Oaks in 2008.
O’Brien purchased Miami Bound out of Westbury Stud’s draft at the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$120,000 and had inside knowledge of the family as he also trained half-brother De Little Engine (Encosta de Lago) to win eight races, including the Listed Andrew Ramsden S.
Miami Bound (NZ) as a yearling
Miami Bound is part-owned by Phil Prendergast, who was overcome by the Wakeful outcome.
“Words just can’t describe this. We knew that she had it in her to go that extra distance and she’s showed she can and we think she will be a great chance next Thursday,” he said.
Vegas Jewel (NZ) (Shocking) was a gallant second with the longshot Palumbo (Sebring) third and the favourite Flit (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) ran fourth without ever threatening.
