The Chris Waller stable must now deliberate following De Armas’ commanding victory in the traditional VRC Oaks lead-up race at Flemington.

Prior to the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) on Saturday, Waller had suggested that Your Colour and Tharwa would likely be his chosen contenders for the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on Thursday. However, the stable may need to reconsider this plan, with Tharwa finishing ninth and Your Colour coming home in eleventh.

Waller’s inaugural Oaks runner was last year, with The Pearls finishing in second place.

De Armas, who started as the $3.60 equal favourite under Blake Shinn’s guidance, appreciated the solid pace to record a 1-¼ length win from Girl With A Pearl ($61). The other $3.60 favourite, Icelady, who had set the pace, held on for third, a further 1-½ lengths behind.

With Waller in Sydney for the Golden Eagle meeting, stable representative Darren Beadman commended Shinn’s ride. “That was a 12 out of 10 ride,” Beadman said. “We were quite fortunate that they did roll along in the race, running good sectionals, which probably allowed him to be a little bit further back and just to rest her. “She chimed into the race probably a little bit too well and got to the front probably a little bit too quick, but we won’t knock that one back.”

Beadman mentioned that De Armas is a filly on the improve, but her race-day manners still require work. “She still did a few things wrong,” Beadman stated. “She laid out, she didn’t really get around Caulfield the other day, but the big track here obviously suits her. “She’s obviously entered for the Oaks on Thursday, so Chris and the team will see how she pulls up, but OTI have got a very handy filly on their hands.”

This victory marked Shinn’s third win in the Wakeful Stakes, having previously guided Thunder Lady (2011) and Luvaluva (2017) to success for John Sargent.

Shinn explained that De Armas was a difficult ride, citing her lack of balance around the home turn. “She really was quite unbalanced getting around the turn,” Shinn said. “I was really trying to coax her to get onto her right leg, her offside leg, just to balance out. “It took me a little bit to get her to change, but she won authoritatively and ran the distance out nicely. “It’s my third Wakeful, it’s a great lead up to the Oaks and you never know what Chris will do now with her.”

For those interested in the VRC Oaks, consider checking out the latest racing odds at sports betting platforms.