Kiwi filly set for G1 Queensland Oaks

New Zealand Oaks winner Artistic will travel to Australia on April 29 with a three-race Queensland winter carnival programme confirmed.

Artistic (NZ) will make her Australian debut in the LR Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) on May 5 followed by the G3 Doomben Roses on May 19 and G1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on June 2.

“She probably won’t be at her best until she gets to Eagle Farm,” Cambridge trainer Shaune Ritchie said.  “The big roomy tracks like Trentham and Ellerslie have suited her best.”

Artistic (Darci Brahma) was ultra-consistent throughout her last preparation culminating in the NZ Oaks.  She had previously won the Listed Sunline Vase and Bonecrusher Stakes and placed in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas, G2 Eight Carat Classic, G3 Desert Gold Stakes and the G3 Sarten Memorial.

“She’s done very well since the Oaks and has put on a considerable amount of weight,” Ritchie said.  “She will race her way back to full fitness.”

Artistic is by The Oaks Stud sire Darci Brahma (Danehill) who stands at Dick Karreman’s The Oaks Stud.  His NZ Oaks winner is a Karreman homebred and is out of the Australian-bred Dahar mare Artless.  She is also the dam of G1 Epsom Handicap winner Excellerator (Marscay).

ARTISTIC