Sam Clipperton believes Aravene has what it takes to hold her own in next month's Queensland Oaks after partnering the Caroline Jennings-trained filly to a dominant victory at Rosehill on Saturday.
Stepping up to 2000 metres for the first time in the Canadian Club Handicap, Aravene finished powerfully to defeat Ting Tong by three lengths with Sea Treasures another half a length away in third and earn a quote of 7/1 for the Group 1 contest at Eagle Farm on June 4th.
Aravene ticks boxes for Clipperton
It was Clipperton's first ride on the filly and he walked away suitably impressed. "She's a big, raw filly and going to the barriers she gave me a bit of an unassuming feel," the winning jockey said.
"She was very green and having a good spook at things, but I think she has handled the occasion very well coming up from Melbourne and in a stronger race today.
“With the Oaks in mind for her, she has ticked today's box and it's only going to give her a bit of confidence moving forward as well."
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Stable representative Roger Elliott praised Clipperton's ride and confirmed the Queensland Oaks was their goal.
"She went great. She will go to Queensland now for the Oaks," Elliott said. "I was a bit worried when he got so far back, but Sam knows what he's doing and rode her great."
Clipperton doubts Oaks' hopes
Clipperton, who won last week's Group 1 Doomben 10,000 aboard Mazu, said he would be happy to stick with Aravene in the Oaks, but was resigned to missing out on the ride.
"I'll put my hand up, but I think Brett Prebble is locked and loaded," he added.
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