Trainer Henry Dwyer is hoping lightning strikes twice following the narrow victory of Tavi Bay at Caulfield.
Tavi Bay took out The Jericho Cup in 2018 Handicap on Saturday and booked herself a trip to Brisbane for the Group One Queensland Oaks on June 4.
Two years ago Dwyer claimed the corresponding 2000m race with Sonntag who went on to provide the trainer with his first Group One win in the Queensland Derby.
Dwyer used Saturday’s race to test Tavi Bay for a potential Oaks run and declared she could be Brisbane bound in the upcoming week, joining stablemate and last week’s Adelaide Group One winner Previous Gem.
Ridden by Chris Parnham, Tavi Bay ($14) scored a short-head win from She’s Got Speed ($6.50) with the $3 favourite Unbreakable a long neck away third.
“The earlier they can get up there the better,” Dwyer said.
“They can settle into the warm weather and work that way every morning.
“We might look at going this week. Precious Gem is already up there so they can stable together.
“She’s on the way up rather than having had a long preparation and being on the decline.”
Saturday’s victory was Tavi Bay’s third run of her campaign and the daughter of sire-of-the-moment Tavistock has appreciated the rise in ground.
Winx’s win aside in 2015, Dwyer says don’t have to have a star to win the Queensland Oaks but Tavi Bay comes with a touch of quality.
“I’ve always thought that and it’s just been a case of getting her out in trip and she’s had a few setbacks along the way,” Dwyer said.
“She’s pulled up pretty clean in the wind today which is great for a stayer.”
Parnham, who returned to the winner’s list at Geelong on Friday following an injury enforced lay-off, said Tavi Bay would appreciate the rise in distance to the Oaks.
“The strongest part was her last 200 metres so the bigger track and extra distance will be ideal,” he said.
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