Victoria Oaks makes it three G1s for Stewart

The all-powerful Emma Stewart stable has resumed its dominance of Victorian harness racing’s night of nights at Melton – taking out three group ones in a row with the victory of Sweet Bella (Sweet Lou) in the Prydes Easifeed Victora Oaks.

The stable captured three features with Petracca (Victoria Derby); Act Now (Victoria Cup); and Sweet Bella (Victoria Oaks) in the space of 75 minutes – and in the Oaks, Emma Stewart trained the first five placegetters (separated by 3.5 metres).

The pre-race form analysis went out the window in the Oaks, the moment the field was despatched.

Sweet Bella had drawn in barrier three and, like most observers, driver David Moran was surprised by the early speed battle and the early race moves.

“It was different that’s for sure. There was a bit of early speed there from different horses that were predicted not to be then obviously with plenty of mid race pressure it was very interesting,” Moran said.

Sweet Bella was left in the death seat early, when Sahara Breeze (1) handed up to First Dance (2). At the mile mark, Jewel Melody worked to the position outside the leader, but then handed up to Major Delight, leaving Moran and Sweet Bella one out and two back.

Major Delight cruised to the lead in the back straight for the final time as Moran made his move three wide and in the final push to the finish, Sweet Bella was too strong, getting past her stablemate in the final stride.

A SWEET SUCCESS!
David Moran and Sweet Bella lead home an Emma Stewart-trained domination of the Pryde's EasiFeed Victoria Oaks, with the Cardigan stable producing the first five fillies over the line! pic.twitter.com/7U9Y6bTh6G

— The Trots (@TheTrotsComAu) October 14, 2023

“I’d done a fair bit of work early and it was an interesting decision whether to come out down the back.  But I really had to get her out into the open and underway,” Moran said.

“Major Delight is an unbelievable filly. I always think if one is going to get her, they want to divebomb her quick because she will always keep kicking and she’d done a power of work tonight.  She went down in defeat really bravely,” he said.

The Oaks was run in 1:56.7, with the race moves setting up some slick early quarters (27.9, 28.2, 28.5, 29.9).

For prominent owners and longtime Stewart stable clients Bruce and Vicki Edward, it was an unbelievable night.  It was their first Oaks win, and followed on from victory in the $300,000 Victoria Cup in the previous race.

“I’d have to say it’s probably the best hour we’ve ever had on a racetrack!” Edward said.

For complete race results, click here.

by Terry Gange, for Harnesslink