Proxima Dea has surged to the front of the VRC Oaks betting after remaining undefeated by overcoming older horses in the Midway Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.
The finish was thrilling, with dashing Doradus establishing a significant six-length advantage entering the home straight, only for Proxima Dea to chase down the leader in the dying strides.
Veteran trainer David Payne immediately revealed his intentions to target the Oaks at Flemington during Melbourne Cup Week in early November for his promising filly.
“This filly has a lot of upside and will stay all day,” Payne said.
“She’s very promising and I want to get her to the Oaks in the spring, that’s her main mission.
“I’ll give her 10 days in the paddock now to freshen her up as she’s very fit.
“I might look at a race like the Gloaming Stakes for her and then decide whether we stay in Sydney or send her straight to Melbourne for the Oaks.”
Proxima Dea ($4) secured her third victory from as many starts in her debut preparation, finishing strongly to catch Doradus ($3.40) by a short head, with Prefer Diamonds ($51) a further half-neck back in third.
Skilful apprentice Braith Nock executed a brilliant ride on Proxima Dea, maintaining his composure as Doradus built a substantial lead.
“I was happy enough with the run that we had,” Nock said.
“It was a fast tempo and she was a little out of her comfort zone just to stay in touch so I didn’t want to go for her too soon.
“But when the pressure went on, she was tough right to the end.”
Proxima Dea is now a co-favourite at $8 with Miss Chanel for the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 5.
Meanwhile, the rapidly improving Zalique has also attracted attention with his impressive win in the TAB Highway (1400m), overcoming a difficult draw.
Ridden assertively by champion jockey Tommy Berry, Zalique ($4.40 favourite) moved from his wide gate to sit outside the early pace before pulling away to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths from Giddy Up Griff ($6), with Xtreme ($5.50) securing third.
Trainer Matt Dunn, who was not present but spoke to Racing And Sports post-race, holds a high opinion of Zalique, who has now won three consecutive races this preparation from only five career starts.
“He’s only lightly-raced and still learning but he’s a promising horse,” Dunn said.
“I would think he’s an ideal type for the Country Championships next autumn but I wouldn’t rule out having a look at The Kosciuszko (Everest Day, October 17).
“He puts himself into a race early, gets up on speed and gives himself every chance. He’s certainly racing in very good form.”
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