Westbury Stud graduate Renaissance Woman produced a stunning trial for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks when she came from the clouds to win the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet over 1800 metres at the Sunshine Coast.
Trained by Bjorn Baker, the Reliable Man filly was second-up in her preparation and drifted well back to the tail of the field on the fence.
Rider Josh Parr was able to get her into the clear at the top of the straight and she produced a withering finish to mow her rivals down.
“She came up underneath me really well, and we were in a good position. The pace was muddling, but I was still so confident with her,” Parr said.
“I can’t wait until she reaches her full potential, because I don’t think we’ve seen it just yet, there are exciting things to come with her.”
Bred by Gerry Harvey, Renaissance Woman won the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes over 2000 metres at Caulfield in the spring and she looks ideally suited to the 2200 metres of the Oaks at Eagle Farm on June 3 and she is now favourite for the Classic.
She was a $250,000 Karaka purchase and is out of the Fastnet Rock mare Mrs Kennedy, who had a Reliable Man colt last season, and she is a half-sister to the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner Mrs Onassis.