You Wahng storms home to hand Lees third Queensland Oaks triumph
Talented filly You Wahng produced an impressive finishing burst to claim the $700,000 Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm, handing trainer Kris Lees his third victory in the prestigious fillies’ classic.
Settling midfield under jockey Tommy Berry, You Wahng ($18) saved her best for late, storming through the pack in the straight to overpower the well-supported Pinito ($5.50), who had loomed as the likely winner after making a bold move around the home turn.
Australasian Oaks winner Benagil ($7) ran home strongly to grab third, further enhancing the form of a high-quality renewal of the race.
Lees, celebrating his third Queensland Oaks after previous successes with Vitesse Dane in 2005 and Amokura in 2023, praised the filly’s progression through her campaign.
“We applied a tongue tie, and it’s really worked out well. She’s reacted well with it,” Lees said post-race.
The Newcastle-based trainer credited Berry’s patient ride, revealing that the jockey was adamant about waiting for the right moment to unleash the filly’s sprint.
“She probably got to them a bit early in the Roses, so Tommy was adamant we just needed to hold her up for a furlong sprint and he produced her at the right time today,” Lees said.
Berry’s tactical decision proved decisive, as he expertly guided You Wahng through traffic before timing his run perfectly in the closing stages.
The victory adds significant weight to You Wahng’s growing credentials, following a notable third-place finish in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) earlier this year.
2025 Group 1 Queensland Oaks Replay – You Wahng
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