KIALDU GRACE made the most of an inside box draw in the Tasmanian Oaks final in Launceston tonight to record a decisive win in what must go down as one of the roughest feature race finals in years.
The Anthony Bullock-trained bitch began well from box one and managed to avoid the carnage nearing the first turn.
With the favourite Kialdu Anna (3) and Perfect Socks (4) racing tight on Kialdu Grace’s outside as they hammered into the first turn something had to give and when Kialdu Anna came down she cannoned into Perfect Socks that also hit the deck with Proven Rebel copping the backwash to be virtually put out of the race.
Kialdu Grace sped clear but just when it looked as if heat winner Posh Emma (5) was about to stake her claim she was checked and sent sprawling across the track.
Kialdu Grace went on to score by over five lengths from Sultan’s Swing with Miss Glory two lengths away third.
Kialdu Grace is owned and raced by Colin Dunlop and Gordon Aitken who also race fourth-placed Kialdu Donna and the luckless Kialdu Anna.
Bullock trains all three and he also prepares Posh Emma which gave him half the Oaks field.
Kialdu Grace (Where’s Pedro-Kialdu Le’Sam) has now won five and been placed eight times from 25 starts.
The $5000 Oaks winner’s cheque took Kialdu Grace’s stake earnings to beyond $12,000 Back to results