Lights Of Heaven Wins Australasian Oaks

Saturday, 26 March 2011 08:29

Trainer Peter Moody and jockey Luke Nolen, the combination that claim Group Ones as effortlessly as they snare Class Ones, won yet another feature race on Saturday.

Lights Of Heaven extended her unbeaten record to four by winning the $350,000 Group One Schweppes Australasian Oaks (2008m) at Morphettville.

Settling just forward of midfield one away from the rails, Lights Of Heaven moved into sixth position as the field approached the home bend with early leader Tureen ($501) falling through the field.

Nolen then pushed his way out into the clear to give chase Shylight and Southern Speed at the top of the straight.

Absolutely ($8) tried valiantly to overhaul Lights Of Heaven inside the final furlong but an easier run in transit told as Lights Of Heaven ($2.50 fav) won by 2-3/4 lengths.

Southern Speed ($3.70) was far from disgraced in third place a further three quarter lengths away.

Jeter ($10) and Precious Lorraine ($9) lived up to market expectations in fourth and fifth respectively while Placement ($9) will have to wait for another time to break her maiden status, finishing sixth.

At her most recent outing Lights Of Heaven won the $200,000 Group 2 Moonee Valley Classic (1600m) on March 4 ahead of Always Discreet and Absolutely.

Prior to today’s race, both Moody and Nolen had never won the Australasian Oaks.

Previous winners of the Australasian Oaks include Anamato (2007), Zarita (2008), Gallica (2009) and Small Minds (2010).

Pictures: Sportpix