Queensland Oaks Target for Fastnet Filly

The Benchmark 72 event at Rosehill on Saturday over 2000m was packed with 3YOs entered for the Queensland Derby and Oaks and the winner Aravene (3f Fastnet Rock x Arianne, by Zabeel) booked her ticket north with a commanding victory.

Trained by Caroline Jennings, Aravene was a last start winner at Sandown over 1800m and relished the step up to 2000m to score by more than three lengths for Sam Clipperton over Ting Tong and Sea Treasures, who are both entered for the Queensland Derby.

“She’s a big raw filly and was very green going to the gates and wanted to spook a bit, but she’s handled herself well in the race,” said Sam Clipperton.

“She’s a lovely staying filly going forward.”

A $235,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft for Kennedy Racing Group, Aravene has won three of six starts earning over $108,000 in prizemoney.

Bred by Widden in partnership with Robert Anderson, Aravene is the first foal of Group III placed Zabeel mare Arianne.

Aravene certainly has an Oaks pedigree as her dam Arianne is a half-sister to stakes-winner Monbe Faster from Champion NZ 3YO Filly Justa Tad, who won the Group I New Zealand Oaks and was second in the Group I ATC Australian Oaks.