Bred to Win an Oaks

An Oaks on a heavy track requires a filly bred to run the trip and it was the John Sargent trained Kiwi bred roughie Gust of Wind that fit the bill to win the Group I ATC Australian Oaks at Randwick on Saturday.

With only two minor wins at Scone and Hawkesbury from her previous four starts, Gust of Wind (pictured Steve Hart) was the least experienced runner in the race, but her natural staying ability and a great ride from Tye Angland saw her prove far too good.

The daughter of Darci Brahma turned in a solid fourth last Monday in the Group III ATC Adrian Knox Stakes behind Candelara, but the rise in distance to 2400 metres and heavy conditions obviously worked in her favour.

She travelled beautifully in third place and when set alight coming to the turn, Gust of Wind just kept finding to the line to defeat the favourite Winx by two and a half lengths.

Winning rider Tye Angland was pleasantly surprised by the result as he preferred the winner's stablemate Thunder Lady, who he rode into third place in the Group I ATC Vinery Stud Stakes two weeks ago.

"I was disappointed not to be on Thunder Lady(she finished fifth), but the quick back-up suited this filly," said Angland.

"I served it up to them on the turn and she just kept running. She's a great stayer."

Gust of Wind is another Oaks winner for John Sargent, who has a real knack with the fillies having won previous Oaks races in Australia with Kirramosa and Quintessential.

"I love the fillies, ask my wife," quipped Sargent, who plans to spell both Gust of Wind and Thunder Lady, who run in the same ownership for Oliver Wong, in preparation for the spring.

Now the winner of three of five starts with prizemoney topping $700,000, Gust of Wind was a $90,000 NZB Premier purchase for Apollo Ng from the draft of Wentwood Grange, who also sold Doncaster Handicap winner Kermadec from the same draft for $260,000.

A filly from a strong staying family, she is the best of two winners from stakes-placed Sadler's Wells mare Starrystarrynight (IRE), a winner up to 2400 metres and a full sister to Irish staying stakes-winner Starbourne, who was also fourth in the Group I Epsom Oaks.

Gust of Wind is the 21^st stakes-winner for Danehill's champion Kiwi based son Darci Brahma and is his second Oaks winner joining the New Zealand Oaks winner Miss Artistic.