Miami Bound is now Kennedy Oaks bound after claiming the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Jockey Damien Oliver had plenty of work to do on a wet day at headquarters against a talented field of three-year-old fillies. Punters came in droves for race-favourite Flit, who was fresh from a thrilling Caulfield Guineas win last month, but were left empty-handed as Danny O’Brien’s talented stayed stole the show.

Bookmakers are having a tough time separating Miami Bound and Vegas Jewel ahead of Thursday’s $1 million Kennedy Oaks at Flemington. Photo Credit: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Flit failed to run a place as he was swallowed up down the straight. In the end, it boiled down to Miami Bound and Vegas Jewel hitting the line strongly as the pair drew clear for an exciting finish.

Miami Bound moved up on the outside of Vegas Jewel and eventually wore her down with 50m to go. Saturday marked three wins from six starts for Miami Bound as well as Oliver’s 73^rd Melbourne Cup Carnival win.

“It’s a huge thrill, not something I really thought of before the race, but yeah, it’s fantastic. A lot of history at this place and it’s pretty unreal to think that you’ve been the most successful person here over 150 years” Oliver said.

Miami Bound won by half a length on Saturday after failing to run a place in last fortnight’s Ladbrokes Classic (2000m) at Caulfield. Oliver went on to say how encouraged he was by the horse’s improvement.

“It’s good to see her back on track her first two runs this prep were fantastic, we thought we had an Oaks filly. The last two runs left us wondering a bit, but she was brave when I wanted her” Oliver said.

Miami Bound has firmed from $10.00 into $3.60 co-favouritism ahead of the 2019 Kennedy Oaks as he hopes to follow in Aristia’s footsteps by becoming the 36^th horse to complete the Wakeful-Kennedy Oaks double.

“She started faavourite her last two and had reasons for being beaten. Today was a nice even gallop which suited her and a strong staying test which suited her as well. I think getting out to 2500m, she’s had a beautiful prep for Thursday and she’s capped it off with winning a Wakeful which is usually a great guide” O’Brien said after Saturday’s win.

Vegas Jewel will also backup in the Oaks and joins Miami Bound as co-favourite in the market at Ladbrokes.com.au.

Full Kennedy Oaks odds can be viewed here.

2019 Wakeful Stakes Results & Finishing Order