News

Absolutely Ridden To Perfection In AJC Oaks Victory

18th Apr 2011

Racing And Sports - Alex Steedman - Saturday, 16 April 2011

A ground saving ride by jockey Brad Rawiller has helped steer Mick Kent-trained filly Absolutely to a commanding victory in the Group 1 AJC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick.

With four black type placings including her last start second in the Schweppes Oaks but yet to break through for a maiden win, it wasn't until the dying stages of today's Group 1 AJC Oaks (2400m) Mick Kent's filly Absolutely was considered a genuine winning hope in the event.

Ridden by Brad Rawiller Absolutely was positioned midfield during the middle stages as the Danny O'Brien-trained Placement led the way.

Race favourite Shamrocker sat behind Absolutely throughout the run and from the 600m the pair took different approaches to winning the feature event for three-year-old fillies.

As Shamrocker moved off the fence and quickly began to make up ground, Rawiller aboard Absolutely bided his time on the rail.

This move by Rawiller proved critical for the chances of Absolutely who drew level with Shamrocker at the 300m before quickly moving clear going on to win the Group 1 AJC Oaks (2400m) by 3.5 lengths.

Nothing can be taken away from AJC Derby winner Shamrocker who finished second while Pinker Pinker rounded out a Victorian trifecta in third.

Having been placed twice behind boom filly Lights Of Heaven this campaign a perfectly executed plan in today's AJC Oaks means the Mick Kent-trained Absolutely is now a Group 1 winner in her own right.

“Everything went to plan and we're glad we came,” Kent said.

“It looked like a tough Oaks but she drew well and you don't get many chances to run in Group 1's.

“She had done terrific since Adelaide, it seemed to make her that trip away. She's been working good so we were really happy to come.”

Absolutely's win in today's Group 1 AJC Oaks further maximises the Redoute's Choice fillies potential broodmare value following four black type placings at her previous six career starts.

“I run her in a lot of Stakes races,” Kent said.

“We thought she would win her maiden nice and easy and she got beat there. She is a very nice filly and it was only the question regarding the trip and the ground today and that was no worries.”

Connections of Absolutely largely owe the victory to riding tactics employed by jockey Brad Rawiller who walked the track along with Mick Kent before the event.

“I walked the track earlier and I don't think it is a Heavy 10,” Kent said.

“It wouldn't be a 10 at home.

“You have no idea how much energy it costs when you're going through bad ground. There was only a section there between the 800m to the 600m and I just said to Brad [Rawiller] 'there is some bad ground there and you're just going to have to keep hold of her and hug the fence.

“It worked out terrific.”

Today's Group 1 AJC Oaks was the second time jockey Brad Rawiller had partnered Absolutely taking the ride from Craig Williams after she ran third in the Group 3 Schweppervescence Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville on March 14.

“Everyone knows Mick [Kent] is a very capable track walker and as far as my experience goes he is probably the best,” Rawiller said.

“I walked the track and I said to Mick 'I am happy with the inside and I don't think we need to get out that far.”

“To get a result like today like winning the Oaks in Sydney is just fantastic. It is great to win my first Oaks.”

Absolutely will now be spelled with Mick Kent hinting at a spring campaign aimed toward the Group 1 Caulfield Cup.

A $150,000 purchase at the 2009 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Absolutely has now record one career win and five minor placings from seven career starts.

Her prizemoney earnings are now edging towards $450,000.