Encipher separated from the pack and reinforced the strength of Emma Stewart’s stable to claim the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Oaks.
Stewart got the first two home and controlled proceedings throughout, with Petillante, Star Celebrity and Beach Life all prominent in the run.
But it was Encipher who proved herself the star of her class, grinding home in 27.6sec and 27.5sec final quarters to secure a three-metre win in the $150,000 classic.
It was a pleasing result for Stewart, for South Australian owner-breeder Tyson Linke and for driver Kate Gath, who flew the flag for her former state.
“She’s been such a good horse to me and the owners are here from Adelaide, so it’s a really good night,” Gath said. “I haven’t won an Oaks before, so to win one is good to tick off the bucket list.”
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Encipher slid to the front with 1700 metres to run, advancing amid an 81.7sec lead time before Gath was able to cool the pace through a 31.8sec first quarter.
Off an even second quarter she opened up, getting home in 55.1sec to secure the cup ahead of stablemate Petillante, with Amore Vita fighting on to claim third.
“Providing we got a little breather, and she got that, I was pretty confident in the run,” Gath said.
“I knew Petillante was three fence and it would get home really good, once we got that cheap sectional it was her race to lose. She’s has a lot of hard racing and it was good to get on the fence tonight in a big one.”
The result sealed a third win for the night for both Stewart and Gath.
