Aardie B Miki completes Oaks double

New Zealand harness racing filly Aardie B Miki (Always B Miki) made if back to back Oaks wins when she stormed home to take out the Group 1 $150,000 Queensland Oaks at Albion Park. 

Nestled three back along the pegs, Aardie B Miki ($6.50) travelled kindly while the $1.25 favorite Millwood Bliss had her own way in the lead. 

Peter McMullen was able to ease off the pegs approaching the last turn and when the daughter of Always B Miki saw clear air she produced a stunning 26.5 sec 400 metre finale to defeat a brave Look Like Diamonds with Millwood Bliss in third place. 

Aardie B Mike led all the way in the South East Oaks at her previous start and McMullen conceded the filly had gone to another level. 

“We knew we had a nice filly but it’s pretty scary when you’re running past horses going that fast,” McMullen said. 

McMullen admitted he had slight concerns heading into the final bend. 

“I knew three fence wouldn’t be a horrible spot but at the 400 I thought we were in a bit of trouble but it all sort of worked out,” he said.  

“I didn’t think she was entitled to win but she did it quite well.”  

AARDIE B MIKI REPLAY

The winner is raced by Canadian based Mike Tanev and McMullen is hoping Aardie B Miki can extend her stay in Australia with McMullen and his partner Chantal Turpin. 

“Mike likes to race his horses Down Under so hopefully we can keep her a bit longer yet,” he said. 

For complete race results, click here.

by John Dunne, for Harnesslink