Perfectly Promising

Full Of Promise! Kevin Shea is high in the stirrups as Dylan’s Promise cruises in to win the Gr2 Oaks

The Australian breds were at it again in Sunday’s R250 000 Gr2  Betting World Oaks run over 2400m at Clairwood. The runaway win by Charles Laird’s Dylan’s Promise probably underscored her own ability as much as it did the rather ordinary looking bunch that opposed her.

The only four time winner amongst a largely motley crew of 3yo fillies, Dylan’s Promise always appeared to be a major contender for top honours.  An innovative ‘mind’ ride by Kevin Shea proved to be the icing on the cake for charismatic owner Alesh Naidoo and his partners.

But let’s not detract from a good win.

Easy to back at 9 to 2, Dylan’s promise was never far off the action as Rachel Leigh and Red Rock Lady took turns up front as they crawled along the Clairwood back straight.

At about the 900m marker Shea shook Dylan’s Promise up and she went up to take the lead from Red Rock Lady and Rachel Leigh.

An assertive Shea made his match winning score at the top of the straight, when  Dylan’s Promise rocketed clear and despite drifting to the outside rail, she stayed on best to win very well.

Starting at 9 to 2, Dylan’s Promise extended her lead to win easing up by 3,25 lengths in a time of 156,65 secs.

Running in the club colours, Weiho Marwing’s Sky Pirate ran on for second, ahead of Priceless Jewel.

Winning jockey Kevin Shea said afterwards that he was never worried about his mount seeing out the 2400m.

“But I didn’t take any chances and just before the home straight I decided to make my move. She kept finding all the way. She is a lovely filly, even though there is not a lot of her,” he said with his years of international experience shining through his casual demeanour.

Shea certainly appears to have an affinity with the filly. He won the  Umsinzi Handicap at the same venue on her in March this year.

Part owner Alesh Naidoo paid tribute to trainer Charles Laird, whom he said had earmarked Dylan’s Promise as a likely Oaks winner early on.

Laird is recovering from a back op and was not on course.

Dylan’s Promise is a daughter of Dylan Thomas out of the twice winning (Gr3 winner and Gr1 placed) Rigoletto mare, Madonna.

Dylan’s Promise was bred by Austramore Pty Ltd, NSW, Cobra Bloodstock Australia Pty Ltd

She has now won 5 races from her 13 starts with 3 places and R464 830 in stakes.

The R825 000 Ready To Run Sale graduate looks likely to develop into a nice staying 4yo in the season ahead, and with this black type enhanced her paddock value tremendously.

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