Stewart gets an Oaks/Derby double in Tasmania

Victoria’s leading harness racing trainer Emma Stewart continued her blitz on Tasmania’s feature races when she took out both the $40,000 Cavalor Equicare Tasmania Oaks and the $40,000 Cavalor Equicare Tasmania Derby which were held at Hobart last night.

Stewart accepted with three runners in the Oaks in a disappointing field of five. 

Local reinswoman Tiana Ford was engaged on the long odds on favourite Waterfront (Downbytheseaside) who had been unbeaten in her previous eight appearances.

And when Ford held the lead the race was virtually over as Waterfront toyed with the opposition and then run a last third quarter in a scintillating 26.9 seconds with a fourth quarter in 27.6 seconds that ensured her opponents could not make up any ground. 

At the finish Waterfront had 8 metres to spare over She’s A Tiny Dancer with Free To Play a further 13 metres away third.

Given her domination over the local fillies, it would seem that Waterfront may need to take on the mainlanders to determine how far she can go.

Stewart completed the double when the very capable colt Kingman (Always B Miki) led all the way to win the Derby. 

Drawn wide, Kingman was taken to the front by Allan McDonough who nursed the colt over the testing 2579 metre distance in order for him to stay the trip.

Fellow interstate pacers Collective Works and Our Luciano chased the leader after both securing good trails. But Kingman recorded quick final quarters of 27.3 seconds and he bounded clear on straightening. However Collective Works refused to give in and he closed the gap at the finish to just under 4 metres with Our Luciano third. 

Kingman had been racing in much harder company and had already succeeded at Melton, Menangle Park and Albion Park so the well travelled colt was due for success in a classic event. Collective Works was very gallant as runner up and he will win in similar company in the not too distant future. 

For complete race results, click here.

by Tony Milanese, for Harnesslink