G1 Queensland Oaks Winner for So You Think
Third in the Group I ATC Australian Oaks, progressive filly You Wahng (3f So You Think x Wahng Wah, by Casino Prince) raised the bar at Eagle Farm on Saturday to score a thrilling last stride win in the $700,000 Group I BRC Queensland Oaks (2200m).
Trained by Kris Lees and ridden by Tommy Berry, You Wahng worked into a challenging position after straightening for home and kicked away from her rivals before holding strong to the line to win by a long head.
"Lovely ride from Tommy," Lees said. "He was able to get us straight across from the gate and got into a lovely position in running.
"He had a lot of horse coming to the corner, but I was always just a little guarded that last furlong when she presented, but she was able to find under pressure.”
Disappointing when finishing last at Gosford three starts back when dropping back in trip after her Australian Oaks third, a gear change resulted in a change of form.
"She ran really well in an ATC Oaks," Lees added. "I think she was very plain at Gosford when we just gave her a fresh run. We applied a tongue tie, and it's really worked out well."
Berry attributed the success to Lees who had the filly spot on.
“She was a little bit underdone last start with the let-up between the Sydney Carnival and here,” said Berry.
“And she just felt so much more relaxed. She was just ready to go today, so it was a brilliant training performance."
A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase from Riversdale for Lees Racing/Bahen Bloodstock, You Wahgn has three wins and three placings from nine starts with earnings just shy of $600,000.
Bred by Wall Street Thoroughbreds, she is a full sister to stakes-winner Street Gossip and is the best of three winners from Wahng Wah, a metro winning Casino Prince mare that traces back to celebrated producer Dancing Show (USA) via the Twyla branch of the family.
Wahng Wah is a grand-daughter of Celebria, the dam of Group I winner Gathering and grand-dam of four time US Group I winner In Italian.
The current 2yo out of Wahng Wah is a Pierro filly named Listen Sweetheart in the John Sargent stable with the mare foaling a full brother to You Wahng last season.
You Wahng is the 12th Group I winner for So You Think, who stands at a fee of $44,000 this spring.