Showsomejoy wins a heartstopper Oaks

Victorian harness racing filly Showsomejoy (Art Major) had to pull all stops to win an exciting Ladbrokes South Australian Oaks at Globe Derby last night.

A short odds on favourite on the strength of her impressive Victorian form including the $150,000 Vicbred 3YO Fillies Final at Melton in September Showsome Joy was awkwardly drawn behind the pole marker the much travelled Elusive who was the obvious second favourite. Driver Gaita Pullicino followed Elusive through who was able to hold the lead after a short early battle.

However Ryan Hyrhorec on Miss Idaho was able to flush out Showsomejoy off the rails and from then on she was forced to race outside of Elusive.

Danielle Hill on Elusive rated the filly perfectly in front but as Showsomejoy began to close in, the two drew clear of the field. Locked together off the back straight Elusive found something and at one stage appeared that she would hold on. But Showsomejoy was not to be denied and displaying real grit she dived on the line to win by a metre with Quick Dip battling on for third. 

The win continues trainer Emma Stewart’s almost perfect strike rate when she targets races in South Australia. It also carries on the partnership of leading owner Aaron Bain and his team of owners. 

Elusive was far from disgraced in her gallant runner up performance. She was having her first run for trainer Michael Norman who actually broke the filly in before she went to close friend Geoff Webster. She has also been successful at Melton as well as winning at Menangle. 

Norman indicated that she will be prepared for the Southern Cross series and if she clashes again with Showsomejoy they are set to engage in another fascinating battle. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink