By MICHAEL GUERIN
A fresh New Zealand challenger appears to be all that stands between Tupelo Rose and another Oaks victory.
The Kiwi-bred filly bolted away with the $A50,000 Queensland Oaks on Saturday night, beating Pukekohe filly Dancingonmoonlight by 12m, to claim her fourth Oaks win.
The win continued a stunning season for Tupelo Rose and she will look to add to her list of classics in the Australian Oaks at Moonee Valley on July 22.
But a new challenger could meet her in Melbourne, with Shivna being aimed at the race.
The Glen Harwood-trained filly overcame a wide draw to beat older rivals at Alexandra Park on Friday and is likely to head to Melbourne.
"We have been keeping her racing with the Australian Oaks in mind," said Harwood.
While Shivna has been the unlucky filly in the elite ranks this season she may have to improve to lower Tupelo Rose's colours as the champion appears to be holding her advantage over her opposition.
Tupelo Rose easily held the front from the ace on Saturday night and cruised through the early sectionals as Dancingonmoonlight sat parked.
The latter's driver David Butcher let her move closer to Tupelo Rose at the 800m but they never looked likely to catch the $1.30 favourite.
Tupelo Rose, who has already won the Great Northern, New Zealand and Victoria Oaks, rated 1:59 for the 2138m in Saturday's classic.
Trainer Ted Demmler will stick to his early season pledge to avoid racing the colts by bypassing the Queensland Derby in a fortnight.
While local 3-year-old Aquagold looks the only Derby contender able to foot it with Tupelo Rose, Demmler will take Tupelo Rose back to Melbourne today.
Racing: Another Oaks success for Rose
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