Proxima Dea has ascended to the top of the VRC Oaks betting after maintaining her flawless record by defeating older horses in the Midway Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
The race culminated in a nail-biting finish, with the quick-starting Doradus establishing a substantial six-length lead as they entered the straight, only for Proxima Dea to reel in the pacesetter in the final strides.
Esteemed trainer David Payne has outlined his plans to target the Oaks at Flemington during Melbourne Cup Week in early November with his talented filly.
“This filly has a lot of upside and will stay all day,” Payne declared.
“She’s very promising and I want to get her to the Oaks in the spring, that’s her main mission.
“I’ll give her 10 days in the paddock now to freshen her up as she’s very fit.
“I might look at a race like the Gloaming Stakes for her and then decide whether we stay in Sydney or send her straight to Melbourne for the Oaks.”
Proxima Dea ($4) notched her third win from as many starts in her maiden preparation, finishing with a flourish to run down Doradus ($3.40) by a short head, with Prefer Diamonds ($51) a further half-neck behind in third.
Skilled apprentice Braith Nock delivered a superb ride on Proxima Dea, remaining calm when Doradus gained a significant advantage.
“I was happy enough with the run that we had,” Nock commented.
“It was a fast tempo and she was a little out of her comfort zone just to stay in touch so I didn’t want to go for her too soon.
“But when the pressure went on, she was tough right to the end.”
Proxima Dea has firmed into $8 favouritism, sharing the top line with Miss Chanel for the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 5.
In other news, the rapidly developing Zalique has also caught the eye after overcoming a wide draw to win the TAB Highway (1400m).
Ridden with confidence by champion jockey Tommy Berry, Zalique ($4.40 favourite) moved from his wide barrier to settle outside the leaders before forging clear to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths from Giddy Up Griff ($6), with Xtreme ($5.50) taking third place.
Trainer Matt Dunn, who was not on course but spoke to Racing And Sports after the race, holds a high opinion of the emerging Zalique, who has now recorded three consecutive victories this preparation from just five career starts.
“He’s only lightly-raced and still learning but he’s a promising horse,” Dunn stated.
“I would think he’s an ideal type for the Country Championships next autumn but I wouldn’t rule out having a look at The Kosciuszko (Everest Day, October 17).
“He puts himself into a race early, gets up on speed and gives himself every chance. He’s certainly racing in very good form.”
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