Delightful Lana on Oaks mission

Classy harness racing three-year-old filly Delightful Lana is heading to Brisbane.

But a decision is yet to be made on when.

The Peter Walsh trained filly scored a dominant victory at Tabcorp Park Menangle yesterday in 1;54.5 but connections will deliberate in the coming days on whether to head north as early as next week for the Gr.3 $30,000 Gold Coast Oaks at Albion Park on June 20 or wait for the Gr.1 $100,000 Queensland Oaks on July 11.

Resuming since April when down the line in the Victoria Oaks at Melton, Delightful Lana was taken off the gate early by reinsman Chris Geary before working into one out/one back trail, when called on at the top of the straight, the filly knuckled down strongly.

“We’re still discussing whether we should tackle both or just wait for the main goal and that decision will be made in the coming days. This filly is very classy and an Oaks victory would be very rewarding so the Brisbane campaign is very important.” Walsh said.

Originally prepared by New Zealand based horseman Cran Dalgety, the Bettor's Delight filly was transferred to the care of Walsh to target remaining features in Australia this season.

Delightful Lana has proven victorious in heats of both the New South Wales and Victoria Oaks series but is yet to crack it in a major this season.

Enter Brisbane.

“In a perfect world I would like to tackle both races but there is a fair bit to weigh up and then organise, I’ve recently had back surgery so having the right people in place is important. This filly loves racing and tackling both events won’t bother her.

“I was very happy with the effort yesterday because she hadn’t trialed owing to cancellations and I don’t like starting horses without the benefit of a trial. Her time was good and she finished off in 27 seconds at the backend which was pleasing; she went home and licked the bin clean.

“Obviously there will be some smart fillies chasing the prize up in Brisbane but this filly will be right in the mix, she’s got all the right qualities in a top filly. She got very sick mid-year and has bounced back in great style.”

No decision has been made on who will drive the filly in Brisbane and champion New Zealand reinsman Dexter Dunn is being strongly considered depending on his schedule and availability.

Walsh is no stranger to success in the Queensland Oaks having prepared Madam Steward who took out the 1995 version when handled by Darrel Graham.

by Chris Barsby