WA Oaks Set To Sizzle at Gloucester Park
4 May, 2016
Harness
The 2013 WA Oaks produced a memorable win from New South Wales filly Frith.
The Victorian Oaks champion was sent out a $1.60 favourite and on a rain-sodded Gloucester Park track she was afforded no favours from the locals.
She was taken in front by Lucky Diva and then top WA hope Askmenow, but she dug deep to stave off all challenges and eclipse a 17 year race record.
Frith, driven and trained by Bruce Harpley, defeated Bettor Dreams by 4.5 metres with 1m to third placegetter, Loving You.
Trainer Mike Reed celebrated his third win in the WA Oaks after brilliant filly Libertybelle Midfrew posted a powerhouse victory two years ago.
The New Zealand import scored one of the easiest Group 1 wins seen in Perth pacing, going to the line unextended to win by 22 metres.
She never looked in danger after finding the front for reinsman, Shannon Suvaljko, justifying the faith of favourite punters.
The WA Oaks was Libertybelle Midfrew’s fifth consecutive win since she arrived from New Zealand for owners, Albert and Julie Walmsley.
The 2015 WA Oaks capped a memorable night for young Bunbury horseman, Justin Prentice, who trained the first two placegetters.
Major Reality, driven by Gary Hall Jnr defeated Quite A Delight, with Prentice in the sulky, in one of the closest finishes in Oaks history.
It was a milestone win for Prentice who joined his father on the Oaks honour roll and saluted in the feature race after three previous placings.
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View a replay of the last three runnings of the WA Oaks: