Despite Victoria Quay winning the traditional lead-in race to the VRC Oaks, the Wakeful Stakes, she won't be in action in the fillies classic at Flemington.
Her trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy decided they wouldn't pay up for the VRC Oaks as they thought she was too immature for the 2500 metre race.
Calvin McEvoy said they had no regrets regarding that decision, even after her Group Two win on Saturday.
“She's always been a bit buzzy, immature upstairs, but she's really come a long way,” McEvoy said.
Managing owner Suman Hedge said they would most likely spell Victoria Quay and set her for the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville in May.
The filly gave Jamie Kah a victory with her first ride at the Flemington carnival.
Kah said it was special to take out the Wakeful Stakes for her old boss in Adelaide, Tony McEvoy.
Kah said Victoria Quay hit a flat spot, which Calvin McEvoy had warned her about, but she was up for the fight.
Victoria Quay ($7) held off Personal ($3 fav), who was looking to give Lindsay Park the first two winners of the carnival, by a neck with Tyche Goddess ($51) another 1-1/2 lengths away third.
The opening race proved to be a triumph for Lindsay Park as they provided the first two across the line with Crosshaven fending off stablemate Aysar who looked certain to beat him in the closing stages.
Co-trainer Ben Hayes said he was thrilled they had quinellaed the event and the stable was lucky to have two classic horses.
“Crosshaven got passed by Aysar but he kicked back. I think it's a good sign of a quality horse,” Hayes said.
Crosshaven ($3.50) defeated Aysar ($2.20 fav) by a neck with Endanger ($12) and Horrifying ($51) dead-heating for third.