NZ OAKS WINNER MELBOURNE BOUND

18 MAY 20 | Carl Di Iorio

This year’s New Zealand Oaks winner Jennifer Eccles is likely to campaign in Melbourne during the upcoming spring carnival.

New Zealand-based bloodstock agent Adrian Clark who manages syndication business Challenge Racehorse Syndications announced the daughter of Rip Van Winkle would resume at Flemington in mid-September.

“All things going well she will trial in New Zealand before resuming September 12 in the (Group 2) Let's Elope Stakes over 1400 metres at Flemington,” Clark said in a statement, referring to the set weights and penalties mares race. 

Shaune Ritchie trains Jennifer Eccles who has won four of eleven starts and is unbeaten from three starts over 2000 metres and further, winning the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) and Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m).

Jennifer Eccles is capable over the mile as well, winning the Group 2 SkyCity Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and runner-up in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).

Connections intended to campaign Jennifer Eccles during the Sydney autumn carnival following her Oaks victory but those plans were scuttled when the New Zealand border was closed due to COVID-19 regulations, meaning the suspension of all international equine flights.