Only Words has underlined her Queensland Oaks credentials with an important win.
Top jockey Craig Williams is keen to stick with Only Words in the Queensland Oaks, believing the filly is on an upward trajectory after taking out The Roses at Doomben.
The Chris Waller-trained three-year-old was coming off a placing in the Gold Coast Bracelet and from a good draw in barrier seven, Only Words ($16) comfortably handled the middle-distance test to score by 1-1/2 lengths over Bargain ($4.20), ahead of Charms Star ($14).
Williams feels Only Words has the right profile to be competitive in the Oaks in two weeks.
“She’s done a few things wrong in her lead-up races and today she did everything right and was quite dominant,” Williams said.
“She will get another good experience from today and most importantly confidence.
“She will line up in a very competitive Oaks in two weeks if they decide to go that way with her and I’m hoping I get the ride.”
Waller saddled up six runners in the Group 2 race and they all finished in the top eight, including favourite Grace And Harmony, who was sixth.
Waller said that while Only Words did a superb job, punters should not give up on the beaten favourite whose cause was hindered by a wide draw.
“As we saw today, barrier draws may have hurt Grace And Harmony’s chances so don’t drop off her yet,” Waller said.
“Full credit to Only Words, Craig gave her a lovely ride. She was there at the 300 metre mark and gave a good, solid kick and it proved to be a winning one.”
The Roses is a traditional springboard to the Queensland Oaks (2200m) run at Eagle Farm on June 5.