Fresh Ron’s Finalflutter can win Bunbury Classic 2025 says Morton

Ron’s Finalflutter kicks off her potential WA Oaks campaign this Sunday at Bunbury, and trainer Dan Morton believes she has what it takes to deliver a strong performance fresh in the Listed Greenfields Lodge WA Breeders’ Classic (1200m).

“I wouldn’t rule her out,” Morton said on Tabradio. “She’s got a lot of class about her. While the distance might be a bit short, I think she’ll perform well fresh.”

Ron’s Finalflutter made her mark last campaign, narrowly missing out in a couple of key three-year-old races but impressing against top-tier competition. She opened her winning account with a dominant performance over 1000m at Bunbury, followed by three consecutive placings, including seconds in the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) and the Group 3 Champion Fillies Stakes (1600m).

In the Burgess Queen Stakes, she finished strongly but couldn’t quite catch London’s Image, while in the Champion Fillies Stakes, she led before being overtaken by Storyville. Despite these near-misses, Morton remains optimistic about her potential.

“She’s an exciting filly, and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead,” Morton said. “From early on, we’ve seen her as one of the standout prospects for the three-year-old season. She’s already shown she can compete against strong fields, and with more maturity, this preparation should be even better for her. She’s developing into a quality mare.”

Bred by Yarradale, Ron’s Finalflutter was retained after failing to meet her $140,000 reserve at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions auction. From six starts, she has only missed the top three once, finishing sixth behind Storyville in the Group 2 WA Guineas, which was her final run last campaign.

As a daughter of Written Tycoon out of a Savabeel mare, Morton is confident Ron’s Finalflutter has the stamina to handle the distance of the WA Oaks.

“We’ve gathered a lot of data, and we’re confident the distance won’t be an issue,” Morton said. “With her Savabeel lineage, she’s got the stamina to go the 2400m. All going well, we’re optimistic about her chances.”

Ron’s Finalflutter has drawn barrier four for Sunday’s race and will be ridden by Shaun O’Donnell for the first time, adding another layer of intrigue to her campaign.