SYDNEY - New Zealand trainer Roger James admitted to a mix of emotions when outstanding filly Giovana cleared away to win the $A325,000 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
The talented 11-4 favourite raced to the front at the top of the straight and rider Chris Munce let her accelerate to a three and a quarter length win from Sydney filly Citirecruit.
She will seek to repeat the group one dose on the same track against colts and geldings in the $A470,000 Queensland Derby on Saturday.
James said it was a delight to take over training duties from New Zealand owner-trainer Carol Marshall while Giovana was in Brisbane.
"She's got a lovely attitude, Carol's done a great job with her," said James.
"She's a good mover and done everything right since she's been here. This week she just galloped better and better, you couldn't have wished for a better preparation going into it."
James nearly bought Giovana himself at the Karaka yearling sales, making an offer 10 minutes too late after Marshall had sold it for $A20,000 to Melbourne trainer Colin Alderson.
The horse injured herself when being broken in and Marshall selflessly bought the horse back from Alderson after it was revealed she was blind in one eye.
The horse was put in a dark box for several weeks and was being prepared for broodmare duties when her sight returned and her racing career began.
"It's been a fairytale story for the horse, and it's interesting to think we were 10 minutes away from getting her ourselves," James said.
Giovana has won four of 13 starts and almost $A275,000 in stakemoney.
Meanwhile, James was far less upbeat about the future of seven-year-old Cronus who faded badly in the closing stages of the $A200,000 PJ O'Shea Stakes on Saturday.
After a poor run at Doomben a week earlier, Cronus had every chance but never found a line in the home straight.
He will start the $A500,000 Brisbane Cup (3200m) at Eagle Farm on Monday week before being spelled.
"I don't know how I'm going to find the improvement to be competitive at the Brisbane Cup with him. I will say that if we get rain it will improve him no end, so we're relying on something like that to help us now," James said.
- NZPA
Racing: Giovana set to take on the males
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