James McDonald wins his first VRC Oaks aboard Zardozi at Flemington. (Image: Racing Photos)
James McDonald (Zardozi): “Her run here on Saturday was phenomenal and even though we were disappointed not to win it had Oaks written all over her.
“There wasn’t a horse in this race that has a turn-of-foot like her and it was evident today when she ambled up and put them to the sword very quickly.
“Derbies and Oaks, there’s something special about them. I’ve never won a VRC Oaks and it’s a test of training ability, horsepower and obviously you’ve got to execute pretty well because they're immature still, my trainer’s a freak, he just set this horse for this race and it’s paid off and she had to do it, she’s a star filly, executed beautifully, bang, crash, whatever you want.
“Oaks and Derbies are very precious. It is a test of horse, trainer and jockey and the VRC Oaks and Derby are testament to that.
“I’ll give James credit, the draw enabled us to race a lot closer and he was adamant that he wanted her to be back and give her the rest she needs and it proved right here. Credit to the whole Godolphin team, they’ve turned out a beautiful filly for this Oaks, it’s so prestigious, it’s a beautiful race to win and I’m so proud to win it.”
“It actually felt like I was just jogging in for a six-furlong race to be honest with you, she just ambled up and she’s got an incredible turn of foot, she’s got a very stout pedigree, and it takes her a long way in these types of races.
“She’s probably the best staying filly in that race and even if that didn’t happen, we would have made our own luck.
“The most important part of our race and in the back of my mind was the first 1000-metres because the second 1000 would look after itself.
“Then, the last 500, good luck to them if they can beat her. It is so important for this type of filly to utilise her turn-of-foot as the key for the first half.”
Mark Zahra (Aethelflaed): “She ran huge. Just probably too slow a tempo for her, which let the winner’s turn of foot show. It wasn’t a real staying contest, but she chased hard all the way and they flogged the rest. They’ll have a bit of fun in the autumn, for sure.”
Damien Oliver (Basilinna): “Had a beautiful run and she moved up nicely in the straight, I thought I was a real chance, but the first two were just a little bit too strong for her over this distance this time. Good effort in her first prep.”
Tim Clark (Amazonian Lass): “Brave performance. She’s put in two really strong performances in the space of five days.”
Damian Lane (Coco Sun): “She ran honest. Good effort to hit the line.”
Blake Shinn (Served Cold): “Face value she was a little bit disappointing. We end up with a nice run in transit, although it was a sedate pace we got into the race nicely, but she just didn’t have it today. It wasn’t to be.”
Rhys McLeod (Ethel Maude): “The start didn’t help her. She’ll be better next prep.”
Michael Dee (Harlow Mist): “Didn’t plan to be that close in the run, but she was out on her feet up the straight and probably found the effects of recent racing.”
Ben Melham (Everlasting Kiss): “She’s going to better with time. She had a good run but lacked a bit of class and just needs time.”
Adam Hyeronimus (Tropical Squall): “She was fantastic, just can’t run the distance, that’s all. But next preparation at a mile she’ll be fine.”
Declan Bates (Peaky Ridge): “Just didn’t run out the trip.”
Jamie Kah (Another You): “Just not ready yet. She’s a nice enough horse, just not at the moment.”
WATCH: Zardozi win the 2023 VRC Oaks