Racing: Eleonora puts hand up for Oaks

Eleonora wins the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield. Photo / Bruno Cannatelli

Cambridge filly Eleonora shortened from $11 to $6.50 for the Crown Oaks at Flemington on November 3 after one of the easiest wins of the day at Caulfield on Saturday.

She was the omen bet of the day. The race was the NZ Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes. The Caulfield Cup, Melbourne Cup-winning Ethereal is the grand-dam of Eleonora.

Trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman felt Eleonora's racing luck was due to change after she was denied late racing room at her previous start.

And it came thanks to a picture-perfect Damien Oliver ride.

"Damien Oliver got her into a perfect spot behind the leaders and managed to extract her at exactly the right time," said Forsman.

Eleonora will not race again before the 2500m Oaks. She has had a very limited career this far and should get better with each run.

There was no such luck with the stable's rep Highlad in the A$500,000 3YO Classic. Highlad finished a well beaten ninth after a tough run.

"The plan was to ride him quietly with cover," said Forsman. "But he began too well from his wide draw and got pulling. Damien had no choice but to let him roll forward."

Racing without cover down the side of the track, Highlad had little left to offer from the home turn.

"We are still very much looking forward to taking him to the Derby on Saturday week."