Antonia De Vega stakes Irish Oaks claims with Newbury success
Antonia De Vega kept her Classic dreams alive after she ran out an impressive winner of the Johnnie Lewis Memorial EBF Stakes at Newbury.
The three-year-old was one of the most promising juveniles before finishing last in the Fillies Mile on her final start last season, but left that form behind on her reappearance with an easy success in this Listed contest. On her first start over a mile-a-quarter, Ralph Beckett’s charge was held up in the early stages before making her challenge two furlongs out, pulling away to beat runner-up Star Terms by four lengths. The daughter of Lope De Vega could now bid for Classic glory in the Kerrygold Irish Oaks on July 20. ‘It’s been a tough spring with her and she has shown the square root of zip, which is why she came here as I could see her running to 68 based on what we were seeing at home,’ the winning trainer said.‘They went a good gallop and it’s clear she wants to go further. The ground helped and with anything by that sire, ground like that always helps. ‘ Winning jockey Harry Bentley may face a dilemma over who to ride in the Irish Oaks, with stable companion Manuela De Vega also set to travel to the Curragh. A filly who won’t get a shot at classic glory is Aloe Vera. The Kirsten Rausing-owned three-year-old maintained her unbeaten record in the Height of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood last time out and was on track for the Irish Oaks. However, she suffered an injury at the Sussex venue and won’t be seen again this season. Beckett added: ‘Aloe Vera struck into herself at Goodwood and she is out for the year. ‘ The promising Sam Cooke also faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury at Chester. The colt was on target for the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot but split a cannon bone during the race and is out for the rest of the season.
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