Master trainer Darren Weir named the Australasian Oaks 2017 in Adelaide this May as a likely target for his improving filly Kenedna after her impressive win in Flemington’s The Vanity.

The 2017 Schweppes Oaks in Adelaide calls for The Vanity winner Kenedna. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Coming off a third over 1400m at Caulfield on Australia Day, the daughter of Not A Single Doubt had her third go down the famous Flemington straight on Black Caviar Lightning Day in the $150,000 Group 3 The Vanity (1400m).

Key to her winning was the addition of blinkers to her gear, which helped her switch off and relax and present at the right time to measure up with some well-proven fillies in the Group 3 autumn feature.

The field was led around by the rock hard fit Lee & Anthony Freedman-trained Extra Olives who came into the race on the back of two earlier autumn victories.

She got a comfortable lead settling well ahead of Cassadee on her outside, while last start Manfred Stakes winner Legless Veuve got a nice sit in third.

Cassadee moved up to take the lead around the bend, but once on the straight jockey Damian Lane really let down on Kenedna who joined in and had plenty to give having saved energy early back off the pace.

She charged home and finished off strongly enjoying an upset win over Extra Olives, while the retuning Crown Oaks runner-up Harlow Gold showed she was in for bigger and better things with an eye-catching third.

“She finished superb,” Lane said post-victory of The Vanity winner.

“With the blinkers on she worked well and ripped home late.”

The Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on May 6 is now on the agenda for Kenedna who Weir is certain will run out the distance.

“She needs a mile and she will probably run even further than that,” Weir, who also prepared May’s Dream in 2014 for her Australasian Oaks success, said.

“She has a really relaxed attitude.

“It’s nice to get a Group 3 with her.

“Definitely the Oaks in Adelaide is on the radar. Obviously they’ve got to be able to run 10 furlongs but she gives every indication that she will.”

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2017 The Vanity Results & Finishing Order

Flemington Race 5 – 18/02/2017