The Steven O'Dea trained filly had won two of her three previous runs and was
fit and ready for this 1600 metre assignment for three year-old fillies.Sent to the post favourite, she gave punters no cause for concern as she motored to the line for Damian Browne to win by more than three lengths.
With five wins and four placings from 15 starts, Candika has already won over $430,000 in prizemoney and looks well placed in the upcoming fillies Black Type races leading towards the Group I BRC Queensland Oaks on June 10.
The Oaks trip of 2400 metres may be an issue, but Steven O'Dea said it was good to see that Candika was now settling in her races.
"It was only a few runs back she wanted to over-race in 1500-metre race," O'Dea said.
"But the way she went today means we will press on to races over a bit further."
O'Dea said should Candika indicate she wouldn't stay she could come back to the
shorter races in the winter like the Group II BRC Queensland Guineas over 1600
metres.A $100,000 Magic Millions purchase for Proven Thoroughbreds from the Kia Ora Stud draft, Candika is the first winner for Danzero mare Divya, a three-quarter sister to Group II winner Astrodame and grand-daughter of Blue Diamond winner Midnight Fever.
Divya has a weanling filly by Deep Field and will produce a three-quarter sibling to Candika this spring as she is in foal to Sebring's champion son Dissident.
Candika is the 27th stakes-winner for Sebring and comes with a double cross of Danehill and also the Golden Slipper winner Luskin Star.
