John Sargent loves his Oaks fillies and may have another in the pipeline with James McDonald travelling to Hawkesbury on Thursday to test out Kiwi bred Powers of Opal, who duly bolted in by five and a half lengths.

A good last start fourth in the Group I ATC Flight Stakes behind Lady Shenandoah, Powers of Opal was dropped back to maiden grade to build her confidence ahead of a trip to Melbourne and she made light work of the assignment, cruising clear to win as she pleased.

A $130,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase from Curraghmore for John Sargent Racing / DGR Thoroughbred Services, Powers of Opal is by Cox Plate winning sire Ocean Park and will be looking to target the $1million Group I VRC Oaks on November 7, a race won last year by Zardozi, who runs this Saturday in the Caulfield Cup.

Powers of Opal is the third winner from stakes-winning Alamosa mare Strada Cavallo, who was also placed in the Group I NZ Thousand Guineas and Oaks.

Article c/o Breednet