With form around some of the best 3yo staying fillies in the country, the Kris Lees trained You Wahng was too strong, winning the $700,000 Group 1 BRC Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
Third in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) three starts back when beaten three parts of a length by Treasurethe Moment, You Wahng was coming off a last start fifth in the Group 2 The Roses behind Philia (All Too Hard), with that winner starting the favourite here.
Settling in fifth position behind the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Shangri La Impact (Staphanos) who was ensuring a genuine tempo from the front, the favourite Philia appeared to be getting a cosy run in second.
As Shangri La Impact’s stamina gave out just after the fillies turned for home, You Wahng was presented with a gap, ambling up with ease to take the lead
Down the outside came the baldy face of Godolphin’s Pinito (Trapeze Artist) who had not been seen at the races since her victory in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) just under a month prior.
With the pair pulling away to battle out the finish, it was You Wahng who secured the prize, giving Lees his third win in the race, joining Amokura (Kermadec) and Vitesse Dane (Danewin).
Pinito produced an outstanding effort to finish second with Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Benagil (Manhattan Rain) encountering plenty of traffic jams in the straight to finish an unlucky third.
"Lovely ride from Tommy," Lees said. "He was able to get us straight across from the gate and got into a lovely position in running.”
"He had a lot of horse coming to the corner, but I was always just a little guarded that last furlong when she presented, but she was able to find under pressure.”
Disappointing when finishing last at Gosford three starts back, a gear change resulted in a change of form.
"She ran really well in an ATC Oaks," Lees added. "I think she was very plain at Gosford when we just gave her a fresh run. We applied a tongue tie, and it's really worked out well."
Berry attributed the success to Lees who had the filly spot on.
“She was a little bit underdone last start with the let-up between the Sydney Carnival and here,” said Berry. “And she just felt so much more relaxed. She was just ready to go today, so it was a brilliant training performance.”
“I really timed my run today, and lucky she's only half a horse wide because she could take them sticky little tight runs, but it's just unbelievable. It's awesome to do it.”
Bred by Wall Street Thoroughbreds Pty Ltd, You Wahng was purchased from the draft of Riversdale at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale for $150,000 by Less Racing and Bahen Bloodstock.
The third winner from four to the races for the Casino Prince mare Wahng Wah, You Wahng became the second stakes winner for her dam, joining the Listed Princess Stakes winner Street Gossip (So You Think).
The current 2yo out of Wahng Wah is a Pierro filly named Listen Sweetheart in the John Sargent stable with the mare foaling a full brother to You Wahng last season.
The sire of 62 stakes winners, 12 at Group 1 level, Coolmore Australia’s So You Think will stand a fee of $44,000 (inc. GST) in the spring.
