Kabebe stays best in The Roses with Queensland Oaks in mind
Bookmakers and punters alike were having a hard time trying to find a clear-cut favourite for the Magic Millions The Roses at Doomben, but it was a $25 shot which had bookmakers cheering.
The Matthew Dunn-trained Kabebe was too tough over the 2000m and now it quickly comes into calculations for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks on July 4 at Eagle Farm.
The three-year-old filly by Redoute’s Choice was unwanted by punters, much to the dismay of jockey and Queenslander Jim Byrne who thought it deserved to be much shorter.
“It’s pretty hard for us to match it with the southerners,” Byrne said. “Since I jumped on this horse she’s earmarked herself for the Oaks or something.
“I was surprised she kept drifting in the market. I said to Matty [Matthew Dunn] I wish the Oaks was next week.”
Some fillies struggle to handle the rise up to 2400m for the Oaks, but Byrne believes he’s on the right horse for the job and pays credit to Dunn.
“No drama [about the distance],” he said. “He’s been a great supporter and is having a stellar season.”
Despised outside Sebring Sally ($151) fought on well for second to return a quinella of $619.80 at Crownbet.com.au and the tote favourite and former $6 Queensland Oaks favourite Imposing Lass lasted for third by a nose over Self Esteem.
The hard-luck story of the race belonged to Falkenberg ($5 at Sportsbet) which was having problems in the barriers before ultimately missing the jump by multiple lengths. Jockey Damian Browne positioned the daughter of More Than Ready at the back of the field and patiently waited for a run, but the gaps never opened until very late in the race.
Falkenberg was a $10 Oaks chance at Sportsbet prior to the running of The Roses, but we’re expecting to see it at the top of the market when they re-open over the weekend.