The race didn't go to plan and Hugh Bowman was forced on to the worst part of the track, but it didn't stop Lucia Valentina in Saturday's Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill.
Bowman had been instructed to find a midfield position, but he reverted to Plan B and rode forluck after the filly missed the start.
He settled Lucia Valentina second last in the big field of 16 and with most jockeys steering a wide course in the wet conditions, Bowman had little option but to improve along the rails.
However, the Kris Lees-trained filly was up to the task, chasing down leader Solicit to claim the traditional ATC Oaks lead-up by a length over the Victorian.
"I was a little concerned in the run when she was back last," Lees said.
Lucia Valentina ($9.50) scored by a length over Solicit ($6.50), with the pair streeting the rest of the field by five lengths.
She is the new Oaks favourite at $2.80, usurping Zanbagh, who has drifted to $6 after her Vinery fifth.
Bowman said his mount did a superb job to win after sustaining a long run. "She had 12 to 14 lengths to make up. She was entitled to hit the wall, but was strong through the line." AAP
