Classy filly CANDIKA staked a claim for the rich middle distance & staying events for 3 year old Fillies at the upcoming Queensland Winter Carnival, with an emphatic victory in the LISTED PRINCESS STAKES at Doomben Saturday.
It was the consistent daughter of SEBRING’s initial black type success. Long over due after previous placings in the MAGIC MILLIONS 2yo Classic & the MODE STAKES, CANDIKA whalloped her 9 rivals following a sweet run in transit.
Though cautious about her capacity to run the testing OAKS journey of 2400m, trainer Steve O’Dea echoed the sentiments of jockey Damian Browne when he said, “we’ll just gradually ask more distance of her and she how she handles it.”
The Gold Coast Bracelet of 1800m on May 6 will be the hardy filly’s next start.
“It looks a nice progression, ” said Steve who’s now prepared three PRINCESS winners.
CANDIKA became PROVEN’S 13th winner of the year and was the highlight of a weekend of placegetters. LAST WISH ran a game 2nd at Randwick, EVERYDAY LADY debuted with a sound 3rd at the Sunshine Coast whilst REAL STING ran on strongly to finish 2nd at the same venue.