Sydney bow from wide gate for NZ Oaks filly Ohope Wins
Exciting filly Ohope Wins seems to have inherited the qualities of her distinguished sire, Ocean Park, proving the proverb about the apple and the tree.
Following her New Zealand Oaks conquest, she prepares for an Australian initiation in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday, her seventh run in a season underway since November.
When Ohope Wins joined Chris Waller's Sydney operation, jockey James McDonald was concerned about the prolonged preparation, but the three-year-old rapidly alleviated those worries.
"That was probably one question mark I had on her," McDonald said.
"But she's got such a brilliant attitude. Her father was Ocean Park, and he was as tough as they come, and this filly feels exactly the same.
"She's got a great appetite for work and just loves it.
"Her program would be just eat, sleep and work. She is very rigid like that and very measured in how she does everything. She is just a beautiful filly."
Ohope Wins boasts three wins from six starts in her initial campaign, having been spelled after capturing the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie on February 21.
In a recent barrier trial, McDonald was aboard and admired her late surge, drawing comparisons to 2024's Vinery Stud Stakes champion Orchestral, prior winner of that season's New Zealand Derby (2400m).
"She was a good filly, Orchestral, and this one feels just as good," McDonald said.
"It will take a good filly to beat her."
The Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) has attracted a field of nine, Ohope Wins pulling the widest post position.
Traditionally, the contest leads into the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on April 11, positioning Ohope Wins as the prominent early favourite.
Visit top Australian betting sites to find the latest markets for the Vinery Stud Stakes featuring Ohope Wins.
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