Rippin’ Grace from last early wins the 2023 Group 2 WA Oaks at Cannington
The Shayne Williams-trained Rippin' Grace staged a remarkable effort last night at Cannington to come from the tail of the field early, to win the 2023 Group 2 WA Oaks at Cannington over 520m.
Williams qualified two greyhounds for the $40,000 to the winner final with Bell Mac Blazer jumping from her preferred box one, while Group 1 Galaxy (Cannington, 715m) finalist, Rippin' Grace, had to overcome the box five draw.
While Bell Mac Blazer assumed her customary leading role through the first corner, Rippin' Grace was forced to race toward the inside of the field after jumping dead last.
The daughter of Bernardo and Slingshot Spirit came from last early railing up under the field and avoiding trouble on the first corner, where half the field were involved in trouble that saw fastest qualifier Flying Freda fall.
Heading to the back straight, Rippin' Grace still had five lengths to make up on leader and kennel-mate Bell Mac Blazer, but took rails runs to tear away late to win by 1.5 lengths in 29.89.
Bell Mac Blazer held on for second to give Williams a Group 2 quinella, while West On Blossom claimed third for Chris Halse.
2023 Group 2 WA Oaks (Cannington, 520m) – Rippin' Grace (29.89) T: Shayne Williams
Remarkably, despite knowing Rippin' Grace would likely be last early, punters still sent her out a +300 favourite with greyhound bookmakers to win the Group 2 race.
Rippin' Grace has made a very successful transition back to sprint distance racing since finishing runner-up in the 2023 Group 3 The Miata over 715m in late April at Cannington, having had four starts over 520m at Cannington for three wins and a second.
Rippin' Grace has now had 32 starts for 10 wins and 16 minor placings, earning owner Cheryl Smith $115,915 in prizemoney.
“It's a huge thrill for us to win the Oaks,” said Smith.
“She is only young and has already won a Group 2 and been in two other Group finals.
“And what a broodbitch prospect she will be.”
Bell Mac Blazer is a daughter of Mepunga Blazer and Tina's Magic, and has now had 23 starts for three wins and 13 minor placings.
The 2023 Listed Mandurah Oaks (Northam) finalist has now won $42,430 for connections.
2023 Group 2 WA Oaks
2023 WA Oaks ResultsCannington520mGroup 2$40,000 to-the-winnerSaturday May 27 202329.89
|
|
| 1st |
5 Rippin' Grace
T: Shayne Williams29.89 – $40,000
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| 2nd |
1 Bell Mac Blazer
T: Shayne Williams29.991.5 lengths $11,335
|
| 3rd |
8 West On Blossom
T: Chris Halse30.052.25 lengths $5,665
|
| 4th |
3 Canya Mia
T: Andrew McLaren30.326.25 lengths
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| 5th |
7 Tweak Freak
T: Andrew McLaren30.7111.75 lengths
|
| 6th |
6 Disco Daisy
T: Enzo Crudeli30.9415 lengths
|
| 7th |
2 Whatever Shorty
T: Colleen Pierson31.0116 lengths
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| 8th |
4 Flying Freda
T: Chris Halse33.31Fell
|