Mama Crashes Oaks Party
5 May, 2018
Harness
Trainer-reinsman Justin Prentice has warned the best is yet to come for filly Our Major Mama following her win in the Group 1 WA Oaks (2536m) at Gloucester Park last night.
The Art Major filly, who started from barrier eight caused a major boilover in the $150,000 event, scoring by 2.4m after paying $139.80 on tote.
It was a thrilling finish to the Oaks last night, with nine horses finishing within six lengths of the winner, but it was Our Major Mama who had the last say.
As expected, short price favourite Liberty Rose found the front from the inside gate, but Amelia’s Courage for Colin Brown kept the pressure on the Gary Hall Snr-trained filly, which left her vulnerable on the home turn.
Last week’s Oaks Prelude winner Detroit Lily and Cott Beach hit the front together in the closing stages, but when Our Major Mama got clear running room, she was too good for her rivals.
Prentice said he was planning on running the filly tonight at Bunbury, but was more than happy for her to run in the Group 1 event.
“I came here with no expectations whatsoever,” he said.
“All the gaps opened up at the right time, and she’s probably run the race of her life.
“We thought we might get a ballot tonight, and we’d be starting her at Bunbury tomorrow night.”
It was Prentice’s second win in the Classic event, after Major Reality won the race in 2015.
Prentice said the filly still had plenty of upside before she comes back as a four-year-old.
“I think she will get bigger and stronger next year,” he said.
“Hopefully she will get more staying ability and toughness and she will become a nice horse.
“If she’s driven cold like that, she’s up with the better ones.”
Detroit Lily finished second, while Cott Beach held on for third.
Earlier in the night, Bettors Fire justified his $1.16 starting price, with a comfortable win in the www.Gannons.com.au Pace.
In the other feature event on the program, the Race For Roses (2503m), Eden Franco proved too strong at the standing start, defeating Sarah Goody and C C Chevron.
Tim Walker
Photo: Scott Hamilton Media