Visitors get the points in NSW Oaks Heats

New Zealand and Victoria took the top points in tonight’s (Feb. 18) two harness racing heats of the Cordina Group NSW Oaks.

Kahlua Flybye (Bettor’s Delight) and driver Tim Williams struck a blow for the Kiwis when she convincingly won the first heat, while Victorian Soho Seraphine gave the Vics a runner in next week’s final when she led all the way to win the second heat.

As expected, there were some disappointments.

None more so than Bernie Hewitt’s class filly Jewel Melody who raced without cover in the second heat before wilting in the straight to miss a spot in next weekend’s Group One.

Star New Zealand reinsman Williams was over the moon with his filly’s fighting win after she became trapped three back on the pegs during the run before zooming home when she found clear air, to win convincingly in a 1:56.3 mile rate.

“I was a little bit worried when we finished up three-pegs, but I was trailing a couple of the better ones,” said Williams.

“When she got clear she put them away nicely.

“She’s versatile and it was good to give her a helmet to follow tonight and she did the job well.”

KAHLUA FLYBYE REPLAY

The four to finish behind her, Peaceful, Sky Blu, Eve Crocker and Isthisjustfantasy will all get their chance for revenge next weekend.

The second heat became Soho Seraphine’s (Betting Line) for the taking when trainer-driver Michael Stanley was able to get away with a leisurely 63 second first half of her last mile before holding off her rivals for an impressive win in a 1:58.4 mile rate.

SOHO SERAPHINE REPLAY

The four to finish behind her and secure their spots in the Oaks final were Windy Hill Tara, Saveeon, Lombo Lilly and Chirripo.

It sets up an enticing final for next week’s $200,000 final with the draw bound to play a major part in betting for the race.

The two emergencies for the Oaks will be Fraya and Promiseland.

For complete race results, click here.

From Club Menangle