Well-bred Pinot Claims NZB Ethereal Stakes

The Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) is one of the few races missing from the resume of champion Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse, but Saturday’s A$150,000 Group 3 New Zealand Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield has set up the possibility of changing that.

The Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Pinot, a beautifully bred daughter of Pierro and the Australian Oaks winner Dizelle, is one of the favourites for next month’s Flemington classic following a sparkling performance at Caulfield.

Ridden by Stephen Baster, the bay filly worked forward from a wide gate before taking the lead and dominating the race from the front.

Pinot kicked clear at the top of the straight and never looked in danger of defeat, holding on by a length and three-quarters from Rimraam (NZ) (Commands) and Hiyaam (NZ) (High Chaparral).

Owned by Ms K Waterhouse, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, S F Bloodstock L L C and Mr J A R Bester, Pinot has won two of her five starts and A$127,775 in prizemoney.

“I made up my mind this year I wanted to win the VRC Oaks,” Waterhouse said. “It was the only thing I wanted to win. I knew I had some nice fillies around me, so it might just happen.

“This is a filly who came to Victoria and was beaten in her first start easily (at Bendigo). She's just gone from strength to strength.”