Oaks Goal for Fastnet Filly

Talented filly Wordplay (3f Fastnet Rock x Cryptic Miss, by Snippets) opened her account with a strong finishing win at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. An eye-catching second when making her debut at the same venue two weeks ago, the Anthony Cummings trained Wordplay was sent out favourite for the 1400 metre maiden and even though the winning margin was a nose, the victory was impressive. Settled back in the field from a wide gate by Peter Robl, Wordplay was the widest runner on the home turn and had to pull out a long finishing burst to win, with runner-up Define sneaking through along the inside to make it interesting. “She’s very much a stayer and to sustain a long wide run as she did was a great effort,” said Anthony Cummings. “She’s a half-sister to Fiveandahalfstar who won the Derby for us and with a bit of luck she’ll be going to the VRC Oaks in Melbourne to try and make it a family double.” Her sire Fastnet Rock is no stranger to success in the VRC Oaks having sired Mosheen to win the classic by nine lengths in 2011, so an Oaks goal for Wordplay is no pipe dream. Wordplay is the second winner from two to race for Snippets mare Cryptic Miss, who won over 2100 metres and comes from the family of Group I AJC Sydney Cup winner Crossed Swords. Her star performer Fiveandahalfstar added the Group I ATC BMW Stakes to his resume last autumn, but has been sidelined this spring through injury. Cryptic Miss has a two year-old filly by High Chaparral and will foal again this spring to Fastnet Rock.