Oaks and Derby Contenders Emerge From Caulfield Classic

Sacred Eye, the only filly in the field, ran the best classic trial of the day at Caulfield in winning the Group 3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) at only her fourth start. Trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig will send Sacred Eye straight to the VRC Oaks at Flemington on November 5. As it is intended to, the same Caulfield race also produced some good Derby trials, the best of them arguably coming from the Godolphin runner Etymology who finished third with Lizard Island following up his second placing in the Caulfield Guineas with another good effort to fill the same position again. After settling in midfield, Sacred Eye made her run from the 500m, taking the lead 100m out and drawing away to score by a length. Lizard Island raced outside the lead and held on well with Etymology finishing strongly for third after having trouble securing clear running until late. Sacred Eye is a clear Oaks favourite with Tarzino at the head of the Derby market. Sacred Eye, a daughter of High Chaparral from the Rock Of Gibraltar mare Musidora was a $270,000 purchase by BBA Ireland at the 2014 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale where she was offered by Coolmore who have retained a share of the filly. In the fillies-only Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m), Dawnie Perfect (pictured) also staked an Oaks claim with her three-quarter length win over Honesta and Ambience – vision available here.