By Adam Hamilton
Chris Alford never lost faith.
Despite the fact Petacular boasted a 6-0 record against Miss Graceland going into last Friday’s Group One Victoria Oaks, Alford was adamant there was nothing between the two star fillies.
And his confidence was vindicated when Miss Graceland enjoyed the sit on Petacular and blew her away in the closing stages.
“It’s great to finally get a win over Petacular,” Alford said. “We went to Menangle thinking we were good enough to win the NSW Oaks, but she didn’t race at her best up there.
“She came back, had a couple of easy wins in the bush, and it really primed her for this.
“I was thrilled with how we really pushed Petacular in the heat after doing the work outside her and though we could turn the tables if the breaks went out way.”
Alford made a move around the field to sit parked then grabbed the one-one trail on Petacular when she came around to sit outside the leader, Shezallapples.
No sooner did Petacular stroll past the leader when Alford launched Miss Graceland and she raced clear to win by 10.5m in a 1.55.7 mile rate for 2240m.
Miss Graceland will now be freshened ahead of the Vicbred series in June.
Petacular’s trainer-driver Mick Stanley said the filly was “very tired” after the race and showing signs of a lung infection.
It means he has shelved plans to head across the Tasman for the NZ Oaks and Harness Jewels.
“It’s bad timing as we were really looking forward to the trip, but she needs a break now,” he said.
Miss Graceland gave co-trainers Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin their second Victoria Oaks win, following Beauty Secret’s victory in 2012.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
