Arrhythmia outclasses her rivals in NSW Pacing Oaks

Victorian filly Arrhythmia (Vincent) justified the big wraps on her when she gave nothing else a chance in her all the way harness racing win in the $200,000 Group 1 John Gibson Memorial New South Wales Oaks at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Favourite on the basis of her brilliant win Arrhythmia had the advantage drawing the inside of her main rivals Ark Sea, Sparkling Sea and Ripples.

A short battle ensued early with Beachbabe Crocker before Cameron Hart was able to take Arrhythmia to the lead. Ark Sea was caught wide early before driver Will Rixon was able to secure a one out and one back trail when Sparkling Sea went around the field to race outside the leader.

ARRHYTHMIA 2 MAY REPLAY

Ripples was right behind Ark Sea. Arrhythmia clapped the pressure on with a third quarter of 27 seconds. Ark Sea pulled out to make a run as Sparkling Sea began to give ground. Ripples also pulled out wide to issue a challenge but by this stage Arrhythmia was well and truly off and she had just under five metres to spare over Senses who finished strongly along the rails for second with Ripples a gallant third. Arrhythmia returned 1.50 exactly for the mile trip.

Arrhythmia’s dam Jo An Leonie won three races and left the very capable mare Jo An Jo a winner of nine races and going a best of 1.51.7 and the winners Ray Dan and General Dan. But there’s little doubt that Arrhythmia is the best to date now having won ten of her twelve appearances to date. She now has to be seriously considered for the Queensland Oaks in July and the Victoria Oaks in October.

It was yet another training triumph for Emma Stewart who also had Willows Girl engaged but on the evening Arrhythmia was clearly the best runner on the night.

While all honours were with the winner, the run of Senses in just her sixth start in her second gives every indication that she is destined for better things. Trainer David Thorn has been patient with the half sister to Leap To Fame and Swayzee and she can only get better with age.

Cameron Hart commented after winning yet another Group 1.

That was pretty special. She was a great filly for us as a two year old and to come back and to come back probably better than what she was is pretty exciting. She gave me a great feel tonight, she’s just a beautiful filly to drive so it was pretty exciting to cross the line.

I think she can go to the highest places she can I think at her age group that’s for sure. The Queensland carnival is coming up so whether they elect to go there I’d love to see there obviously. To sit behind her again would exciting. She’s showed she’s top level the whole way through her career. So hopefully that doesn’t change any time soon.

Hart reflected on the significance of the Pacing for Pink.

Obviously what they do for racing awareness for beast cancer for the month of May is huge.

And obviously we’ve been affected by it pretty personally with Ash (Cameron’s sister) and hopefully got her up and cheering tonight.

 

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink