Find out what the jockeys made of their mounts after the Group 1 $1,000,000 The Star Australian Oaks (2400m) at Royal Randwick.
Mark Zahra (Autumn Angel): “I wanted to be behind Orchestral or at least Basilinna but the line I was in was the 200-1 pop but to be in that spot I would have had to restrict her the whole way and It thought I’m going to have to pich two lengths and worry about the 600 (metre mark) when it comes up and fight her the whole way.
“I knew I’d be going good the whole way and I was able to ease back, get in the clear and it was a great feeling the three of us com ing together - great for the sport - and I was the strongest.
“I’ve never heard Moods so upbeat about a horse.
“Races like the Queensland Oaks and Caulfield Cup would definitely be on the radar for her, I would have thought.”
Autumn Angel wins the Australian Oaks
Tom Marquand (Zardozi): “Fell asleep on me early which is great. Found a good rhythm, found that Orchestral line turning into the bottom of the straight. Had a couple in front of me going good. Flicked out, she’s gone down on her sword. She’s run huge.”
James McDonald (Orchestral): “She has run really well. Just the end of the preparation. Her prep has been unreal. Very proud of her.”
Opie Bosson (Quintessa): “She had a beautiful run through. Just failed to see out the 24[00]m.”
Nash Rawiller (Tutta La Vita): “Honest as the day is long. She went great.”
Blake Shinn (Basilinna): “She ran a good race. Just beaten by those a bit sharper on the day.”
Craig Williams (Dances With Hooves): “She wasn’t quite solid enough against this calibre of horse at the extended trip. Gave herself every chance to get the best possible finishing position.”
Damian Lane (Piplup): “She tried hard but just outsprinted when the better ones quickened up.”
Noriyuki Masuda (True Fairy): “A few things to learn. Will be a nice horse.”
Jay Ford (Bush Girl): “She ran a very cheeky race for a maiden in a G1.”