Written by Paul Vettise
The G2 Wakeful S. has traditionally proved a reliable guide to the outcome of the G1 VRC Oaks, but it is a future Classic that the winner of Saturday’s edition has as her 3-year-old grand final.
Victoria Quay (Dundeel {NZ}) proved too strong for the favourite Personal (Fastnet Rock) at Flemington and trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy have long held her in high regard as a staying prospect.
“She’s always been a bit backward, more mentally, and we knew she had a motor so we decided to target the G1 SA Oaks next year,” Calvin McEvoy said.
“We’ll see how she comes through this. We did have a bit of a thought about freshening her up for the Sandown Guineas, but I think we’ll get her home and get over this and target the Oaks.”
Victoria Quay has been lightly-tried and broke her maiden at Balaklava last month before sealing a tilt at the Wakeful with her runner-up finish in the Listed Hill Smith S. at Morphettville.
“A lot of credit goes to the team over there in Adelaide and she gets trained there and only came over a few days ago,” McEvoy said.
“A lot of credit goes to the team over there in Adelaide and she gets trained there and only came over a few days ago.” – Calvin McEvoy
“She’s still a bit buzzy and maturing in the brain so we kept her away from Flemington, but what a fantastic thrill to win such a time-honoured race with such a progressive filly.”
Victoria Quay settled in the first half-dozen for jockey Jamie Kah and she finished resolutely to down Personal by 0.3l with the longshot Tyche Goddess (Teofilo {Ire}) and Miravalle (Redoute’s Choice) came from last for fourth. The minor placegetters are all expected to run in Thursday's VRC Oaks.
“I would like to thank Jamie Kah for the ride and we’ve been privileged to have her in Adelaide as our rider for a couple of years when she was getting going. We’ve known how good she is for a long time and it’s great to see her come over here and dominate,” McEvoy said.
“This filly is learning and she pinged the gates and Jamie never panicked. She didn’t have cover the whole way and when she got a bit wayward she pulled the stick through so it was a beautiful ride.”
Jamie Kah and Victoria Quay
Kah said she was delighted to deliver in such a prestige event for the father and son training duo.
“It’s very special and great to reward them with a win at Flemington with such a super filly, she’s got a lot of class. She did hit a flat spot as Calvin said she would, but gosh she found the line strongly.”
“It’s very special and great to reward them with a win at Flemington with such a super filly, she’s got a lot of class.” – Jamie Kah
Victoria Quay was purchased by McEvoy Mitchell Racing and Suman Hedge Bloodstock, who remains in the ownership of the filly, for $250,000 at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale where she was offered by Rushton Park.
She is the fifth winner for the Danehill Dancer (Ire) mare Swan River, who is a sister to the G2 Alister Clark S. winner Lieutenant and a half-sister to the G2 Tulloch S. winner Count Encosta (Encosta De Lago).
The pedigree page also features the presence of the G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Earthquake (Exceed And Excel) and the G2 Surround S. winner and multiple Group 1 placegetter Ochiltree (Twig Moss {Fr}).
Victoria Quay as a yearling
