The $750,000 Group I VRC Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) is the first staying test for the three year-old fillies of the autumn and there is a raging hot favourite in VRC Oaks queen Treasurethe Moment, but with the track rated a heavy 9 this morning it does raise a slight question mark as there are only two fillies in the field that have won in the heavy and she’s not one of them.
The two with winning heavy form are Richard Litt’s maiden winner Ella Hazel, who is a three-quarter sister by Dundeel to dual Group I winner and sire Castelvecchio, and the Chris Waller trained Snitzel filly Declichy Boulevard.
On face value, Declichy Boulevard is hardly a filly with a pedigree that screams stayer, but her dam Red Velvet Swing won two races at 1600 and 2200m and contested the VRC Oaks won by Lasqueti Spirit.
Red Velvet Swing is a half-sister to dual Group I winner Stratum Star, who was also effective to 2200m winning the Group I WATC Kingston Town Classic among his eight wins. Her next two dams are by Kiwi based champion sires Pins and O’Reilly and the family traces back to champion mare Emancipation, so class is not lacking.
Form would suggest she might be ready for a peak performance.
