Big statement after $150,000 Victoria Oaks triumph

“I think she’s the best filly we’ve ever had!” Those were the words spoken by harness racing horseman Clayton Tonkin following Ladies In Red’s demolition job in the Victoria Oaks at Bendigo on Saturday night.

A big statement, considering some of the horses Tonkin and his training partner Emma Stewart have been associated with over the years.

To put it in context, Stewart has already won the Victoria Oaks before with Miss Graceland in 2017 and Beauty Secret in 2012.

“She’s an unbelievable filly, we’ve never had one like her,” said Tonkin of Ladies In Red.

“Everyone doubted her a bit tonight but it just shows her will to win.”

The daughter of Mach Three was the favourite to win the $150,000 classic and was forced to do it the tough way outside the leader.

Stablemate Joanna held the lead and the first two quarters were 30 and 29.4 seconds.

Then the tempo went up another notch and despite the third split clocked in 26.9, it was not enough to shake off Ladies In Red.

Instead, she found another gear and ran the final split in 27.5 seconds to win the 2650m Group 1 by more than five metres with reinsman David Moran.

Joanna held on for second while Beach Music finished third giving Stewart the trifecta.

“They went 26 up the back and all my other fillies went sensational . . . it just shows you the class of her (Ladies In Red),” said Tonkin.

“She just goes into another gear, it’s extraordinary.

“She doesn’t know how to give up.

“I think she is the best filly we’ve ever had.”

Ladies In Red clocked 1:56.5 in this victory, extending her record to 13 wins in 14 starts.

This capped off a big night for the Stewart/Tonkin team who also claimed the $200,000 Victoria Derby with Act Now.

The Somebeachsomewhere colt was driven by Jodi Quinlan and led throughout the 2650m feature.

His mile rate was rounded up to 1:55.0, just one-tenth of a second off equalling the track record of 1:54.9.

That was Stewart’s second Victoria Derby win having won the 2017 edition with Our Little General.

“We’ve had some rotten luck in this race with some great colts so it’s nice to get this win,” said Stewart.

“He’s taken a bit of time to mature but has been driven a treat in most of his runs.

“Jodi has been driving him terrific and I couldn’t be happier for Jodi.”

This was Quinlan’s first Victoria Derby success.

In the last 20 years only two other female drivers have won the classic.

They are Kerryn Manning in 2005 with Emmas Only and Lauren Tritton in 2019 with Muscle Factory.

For full results of tonight’s program click here.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink