The Edward Cummings-trained Arts has put the writing on the wall for a big run in Saturday week’s Australian Oaks 2023 after tearing away to win the Group 3 $200,000 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick by four lengths at just her third start.

2023 Adrian Knox Stakes winner Arts has firmed in from $101 to $6 to back-up and win the Group 1 Australian Oaks. Photo: Steve Hart.

The daughter of Xtravagant won her race debut at Kembla Grange narrowly back on February 23 before finishing dead last at the same track in the Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) on March 10.

As such she went into the Adrian Knox Stakes field on Day 1 of The Championships at double-figures with the $26 outsider relishing the Heavy (8) conditions to win running away.

Sam Clipperton was back aboard the progressive young staying filly and had her settled right back off the speed as the John Sargent-trained Mountain Guest went around to hit the front as the surprise leader.

The favourite Sequestered for James Cummings meanwhile was given every chance settled fourth then improving to third in the run travelling well up the inside.

Onto the home straight Sequestered, chasing a third win on the trot, came off the fence to tackle the front-running Mountain Guest in the lead.

Just when it looked over however, Clipperton came charging up wider out aboard Arts who ran home powerfully from the 150m.

Over the final 100m she produced a massive finish for a big victory over fellow roughie hope Mountain Guest ($31) who fought back to finish a brave second.

In third off a long, sustained run was the John O’Shea-trained Premise, while Sequestered stopped and only managed to finish fourth.

“I’ve got to say it probably did surprise me how well she sprinted at the end of that race given that she seemed to be very well on the bridle all the way through,” winning trainer Edwards told Sky Thoroughbred Central post-win.

“But a great sign, not only for her, obviously fabulous for the stable and in particular I’ve got to say a great result for Newhaven Park who have been big supporters of mine. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to train a very talented young filly.

“She arrived midway through last year, she just needed a little introductory preparation or two before we started getting serious. We felt like she was a nice horse from early on but it was always just going to be a matter of time.

“We wanted to have her in this time of year, she’s incredibly lightly raced. She’s just gone from strength to strength. What you see today is also an incredibly raw filly.”

Arts is now set to back-up in seven days’ time heading into the Group 1 $1 million Australian Oaks (2400m) back at Randwick a last-start winner.

“She’s arguably, if not certainly, the most lightly raced horse in the field and we’re very excited about what she could possibly do,” Cummings added.

“Hopefully in seven days (the Oaks) but we’ll take our time too.”

Colette (2020) was the last filly to complete the Adrian Knox Stakes – Australian Oaks double.

All-in 2023 Australian Oaks odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au have Arts in from $101 to $6 to be the next off her runaway performance with full markets available by clicking here.

2023 Adrian Knox Stakes Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.