New Zealand-bred filly Verry Elleegant was promoted to the top line of betting for the Victoria Oaks after she opened her account for the Darren Weir stable in Saturday's Group III Ethereal Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield.
She displaces her stablemate Amphitrite who had beaten Verry Elleegant into third place in the Group II Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington on October 6 when she was making her debut for the stable.
The daughter of Zed made her way to Australia after two wins and a second from her three starts in New Zealand.
Ridden by John Allen, Verry Elleegant came from midfield to overpower Aristia (Lonhro) by a half-length with Sizzleme (Sizzling) one and a half lengths back in third. (photo Grant Courtney)
"It was a good ride because she made it hard for him for the first 800m. She had her head in his face. It's very difficult for a jockey when a horse is over-racing like that but he persevered and got her head down and got her into a beautiful rhythm and then let it all unfold," Weir said.
Weir said a decision had not been made if Verry Elleegant makes a start before the VRC Oaks.
"That's the question, do we go to the Wakeful or do we back up next week (in The Vase at Moonee Valley). Or do we hope and pray and hope we have got her fit enough to go to the Oaks off that?"
Verry Elleegant becomes the tenth stakes winner for Grangewilliam Stud's Zabeel stallion Zed.
She is the best of three winners out of the twice winning Danroad mare Opulence whose granddam Chalet Girl (Imposing) is a half-sister to Danewin and Commands, which just happens to be the same family as Verry Elleegant's sire Zed.
Opulence has a 2yo colt by Haradeasun. After missing to Zed in 2016 she was covered by the son of Zabeel last season.
