Australasian Oaks Winner for Sebring
Widden Stud’s marquee sire Sebring added a third Group I winner to his tally when rapidly improving filly Egg Tart scored a scintillating victory in the Group I SAJC Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on Saturday.
The Hermitage Syndicate managed by Anton Koolman is generally seen in the winner’s circle with colts destined for Hong Kong, but Egg Tart has proved an exciting change of pace and inspired purchase for the renowned bloodstock agent.
The Chris Waller trained filly was riding a four race winning streak coming into the Oaks and produced a new career best performance at her first try at 2000 metres.
Held up for a run in the straight, it took some deft navigation from Kerrin McEvoy to get her into the clear, but once she saw daylight Egg Tart unleashed.
She flew to the line with a late rush to claim a head win over the game Not a Single Doubt filly Kenedna.
A modest $40,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Jorson Farm draft for Anton Koolman and Heritage Thoroughbreds, Egg Tart has won five of seven starts earning $467,750.
She is the second winner for unraced Mrs Windsor, a half-sister to Heart Ruler and daughter of Born to Be Queen, who both won the Group I AJC The Metropolitan over 2400 metres.
Mrs Windsor is also a half-sister to Group I AJC Spring Champion Stakes winner Coronation Day, so it’s no surprise Egg Tart was able to motor to the line over 2000 metres!
Egg Tart is the 29th stakes-winner for Sebring and is his third Group I winner joining Criterion and Dissident.
Egg Tart might not be the only Classic winner for Sebring this season with Chris Waller holding Queensland Derby aspirations for his fast finishing Rosehill winner Black on Gold.
The three year-old gelding flew home from back in the field to win the 1800 metre contest running away, his fourth win from 13 starts.
“He’s still a work in progress but he’s got plenty of talent,” said winning rider Brenton Avdulla.
“I think he’s up to winning the Queensland Derby – he’ll be in it up to his eyeballs.”
Stable representative Liam Prior confirmed the Queensland Derby was on the agenda for Black on Gold.
“He deserves a trip to Brisbane and he’s probably a horse that’s going to keep getting better with racing and over more distance,” said Prior.
“He’s got a bright preparation ahead.”
Prior said options for Black On Gold’s next run include the Group III Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) at Eagle Farm on May 27.