Despite Victoria Quay winning the traditional lead-in race to the VRC Oaks, the Wakeful Stakes, she won’t be in action in the fillies classic at Flemington.
Her trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy decided they wouldn’t pay up for the VRC Oaks as they thought she was too immature for the 2500 metre race.
Calvin McEvoy said they had no regrets regarding that decision, even after her Group Two win on Saturday.
“She’s always been a bit buzzy, immature upstairs, but she’s really come a long way,” McEvoy said.
Managing owner Suman Hedge said they would most likely spell Victoria Quay and set her for the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville in May.
The filly gave Jamie Kah a victory with her first ride at the Flemington carnival.
Kah said it was special to take out the Wakeful Stakes for her old boss in Adelaide, Tony McEvoy.
Kah said Victoria Quay hit a flat spot, which Calvin McEvoy had warned her about, but she was up for the fight.
Victoria Quay ($7) held off Personal ($3 fav), who was looking to give Lindsay Park the first two winners of the carnival, by a neck with Tyche Goddess ($51) another 1-1/2 lengths away third.