Ebony secures a NSW Oaks berth

Despite not being the main fancy it was no surprise that up-and-coming harness racing filly Our Ultimate Ebony (Sweet Lou) took out last Friday night’s $30,000 South West and Riverina Oaks.

Race favourite and last season’s star filly Lux Aeterna was coming off the back of a surprise defeat at Bathurst and again she failed to flatter after having to make a mid-race move to race without cover.

But it was a different story for Our Ultimate Ebony, who was able to find the front and dictate terms, waltzing away to a 14-metre victory in a 1:57.6-mile rate.

It was the fourth win from just six starts for the daughter of Sweet Lou and it gave her automatic entry into next month’s New South Wales Oaks.

“The Riverina Oaks has always been a sought-after race and I am thrilled that I could be a part of this win, the filly was impressive,” said driver Cameron Hart.

“Jarrod (Alchin – trainer) and her owners Tumby Park have been very patient with this filly.

“She is a big girl with a lot of talent and it is awesome that we have been able to bring her to Young and win a race carrying such good prizemoney and also gain automatic entry into the New South Wales Oaks.

“I have had a lot of luck travelling around the state over the past few years chasing these better regional features, particularly with Jarrod’s team and especially in the southern areas where many of my family and friends still reside.

“It also gives me the chance to catch up with them all while I’m here.”

OUR ULTIMATE EBONY REPLAY

Fellow Sydneysider Bettine made up plenty of ground over the latter stages of the race to finish second in the feature, edging past the Steve Turnbull-trained Major Envy.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW