Ripples breaks through for Group 1 success in Queensland Oaks

Outstanding filly Ripples (Bettors Delight) finally broke through for a classic success with her harness racing victory in the Group 1 $150,000 Ladbrokes Queensland Oaks on Saturday evening.

In a blistering pace favourite Ark Sea was caught wide early with Sparkling Sea on the move three wide. Eventually Ark Sea took up the running and Sparkling Sea had the one out and one back trail but driver Brad Hewitt decided to press on the fillies clapped on the pace.

The first two quarters of the final mile were run in 28.6 and 28.5 seconds which ensured a brisk tempo.

Meanwhile Ripples who had started from the second row was about three back on the outside while Seaside Boulevard was threading through the field.

Ark Sea beat off the challenge from Sparkling Sea but she could not sustain the effort as both Seaside Boulevard and then Ripples issued their challenges. In a stirring finish Ripples finished the better ahead of Seaside Boulevard while Ark Sea was brave in running third.

RIPPLES 18 JULY REPLAY

Ripples ran the 2138 metres in 1.52.8 and the win consolidated Luke McCarthy as the Group 1 king now having achieved 90 successes at premier level. He’s also achieved the remarkable level of having won eight Queensland Oaks with his incredible record starting with Millwood Meg in 2010.

After the event McCarthy commented:

When they went so fast with those lead times I knew I was in with a chance. She’s a strong filly I knew she’d run the distance. She sprinted well and she tries really hard in her races.

Both McCarthy and owner Mick Harvey indicated that she will go to New Zealand for the running of the Sires classics as she qualifies as New Zealand bred.

She’ll have a short spell.

Jubilant owner Mick Harvey who bred the filly was explicit in his praise of Ripples.

You can let everyone know that she’s the best three year old filly in Australasia

Seaside Boulevard ran a mighty race for runner up and she is now developing into a classy filly. According to her trainer Jackson Painting she is likely to be set for the Group 1 Victoria Oaks in October. Given the hard run Ark Sea was far from disgraced.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink