Te Akau Racing will continue their raid on The Championships in Sydney with a pair of in-form chances at Randwick this weekend, including quality filly Quintessa in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m).
The daughter of Shamus Award has been a revelation for trainer Mark Walker this season, winning three and placing in three of her eights starts, including victories in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) and Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m).
She was tested over 2000m for the first time last start when just going down to compatriot Antrim Coast in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley last month, giving Walker the confidence to press on towards the Australian Oaks, where she will meet glamour filly Orchestral.
“She got galloped on a little bit in the race (last start), but she has recovered from that and hasn’t missed a beat,” Walker told Trackside.
“Orchestral and Zardozi are class fillies but we have got a nice draw (2) and she will be thereabouts.
“She is a very fit horse and we haven’t had to do a huge amount with her, she is very clean-winded. Her mum was a High Chaparral mare so she should run the trip.”
Te Akau will also be represented by Group One winner Campionessa in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m).
She has been in pleasing form for Walker, heading into the race off the back of a victory in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield in February and a third placing in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at The Valley last month.
Campionessa has drawn barrier 13 on Saturday and will be ridden by leading Kiwi hoop Opie Bosson, who will also partner Quintessa in the Oaks.
“We have drawn out a bit on Saturday but at least we won’t get any bad luck from out there,” Walker said.
“We haven’t had to do a lot with her because a mile this deep into her campaign we have just kept her on the fresh side, but she is in really good form.”