Sydney trainer John Sargent has again unveiled another VRC Oaks prospect after three-year-old filly Harlow Mist guaranteed for herself a start in the classic with her win in the Kennedy Oaks Preview (1800m).
Sargent said the Oaks Preview result at Flemington was the key to continuing Harlow Mist’s campaign.
“It was a big jumpout today as she’s just been winning in the country. She’s got a decent-sized heart. Today was a fork in the road as to whether we wait for autumn or carry on with her, but after that we will,” Sargent said.
“She’s bred to stay and she finished off nicely at her other starts.”
Harlow Mist made it three wins from three starts as she had also been successful at Goulburn and then Scone before her Flemington win.
The victory gave Sargent his second win in a row in the Oaks Preview after being successful with So Dazzling last year.
Sargent now intends to run Harlow Mist in the Wakeful Stakes and the VRC Oaks.
“She will keep on improving,” he said. “She’ll get the trip and have a short break and then run in the Wakeful and the Oaks.
Sargent won the 2013 Wakeful Stakes and the VRC Oaks with Kirramosa in 2013. The following year, he almost completed the same double, but Thunder Lady finished second in the VRC Oaks.
In 2017, he trained his third Wakeful Stakes winner with Luvaluva, who then finished fourth in the VRC Oaks. He also trained Gust Of Wind to win the 2015 Australian Oaks.
Harlow Mist defeated another Sydney filly in Konasana, with the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Everlasting Miss running on for third.
Harlow Mist was ridden by Michael Dee, who said she had improvement to come as she didn’t know how to extend when she hit the front.
– racing.com
