New Zealand filly wins the $200,000 Victoria Oaks

Outstanding New Zealand harness racing filly Coastal Babe (Downbytheseaside) showed her class leading all the way in the Group 1 $200,000 Pryde’s Easifeed Victoria Pacers Oaks at Melton.

Confidently driven by in form James Herbertson, Coastal Babe won the early battle for the lead from other Heat winner Aardie B Miki. Showsome Joy settled behind the leader. 

The only time Coastal Babe looked in danger was when Kiss made a run out wide on the final bend and although she was making ground at the finish, Coastal Babe easily held on to win by 2 metres from Kiss with Showsome Joy a credible third. 

6 FOR HERBIE! 🏆

James Herbertson brings up his sixth Group 1 win on Steven Reid-trained Coastal Babe in the Pryde's Easifeed Victoria Oaks Final. pic.twitter.com/CJkz6IiHqE

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) October 12, 2024

Coastal Babe is trained by Steven Reid and part owned by the successful Aaron Bain Racing Group. 

Kiss is continuing to improve and she is destined to win a big race at some stage, perhaps in her next preparation. 

Herbertson in winning his 6th Group 1 race stated after the event. “I had no word, I was just nominated to drive the horse. I thought it was pretty cool I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity. She got pressured enough in the race and it was a pretty solid tempo. She’s a pretty good filly”.

Coastal Babe had been stabled at Emma Stewart’s who had explained that the stable had looked after Coastal Babe after trainer Steven Reid sent her over a month ago. Stewart also paid tribute to the Aaron Bain racing group and their contribution to harness racing. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink