In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Treasurethe Moment triumphs in the Group 1 VRC Oaks, solidifying her place as a leading filly in the Melbourne Cup Carnival and showcasing the power of exceptional breeding and training.
In a thrilling showcase of strength and grace, Treasurethe Moment achieved a definitive win in the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington, reinforcing her reputation as one of the standout competitors of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Guided expertly by jockey Damian Lane, the Yulong-bred filly transformed what could have been a tense finish into a convincing victory, leaving her adversaries far behind.
As Lane guided Treasurethe Moment past the 400m mark, it became evident that the race was hers to win or lose. The filly, who had previously secured the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes with relative ease, maintained her momentum, surpassing the early leader and fending off a determined challenge from Powers Of Opal, who finished a respectable 1¼ lengths behind. The consistently strong Hurry Curry claimed third place, while Harlem Queen completed the top four positions.
For trainer Matt Laurie, the victory represented an emotional peak following years of hard work. 'I can't quite express how I feel. I'm still shaking,' Laurie admitted after the race. 'It was an easy race to watch, and winning a Group 1 this week feels like a dream fulfilled.'
This victory marked Matt Laurie’s return to the pinnacle of Group 1 racing, following his earlier triumphs in the South Australian Derby and Oakleigh Plate. However, this win was particularly meaningful as it came from a filly he both bred and trained. 'It’s been 20 years of hard work to achieve something like this,' Laurie reflected. 'I am immensely thankful to my team at home and to team Yulong. Their support has been unwavering throughout this journey. Witnessing a home-bred filly reach such remarkable heights is truly astounding.'
Treasurethe Moment’s victory further emphasized her rising legacy in the racing world. Following her success in the Wakeful Stakes the previous Saturday, she made history as the 39th filly to achieve the esteemed Wakeful-Oaks double, a rare feat that consolidates her position as one of the leading fillies of the season. The performance of Wakeful winners and runners-up has consistently served as a reliable indicator for success in the Oaks, with six of the past seven Oaks champions emerging from the Wakeful Stakes.
Laurie provided a thoughtful assessment of the filly's racing technique. 'She possesses great talent and manages to conserve her energy effectively during the race,' he noted. 'She saves her strength and unleashes it at the right moment. Honestly, it was quite an easy watch.'
The preparation for Treasurethe Moment was meticulously planned, with Laurie positioning the Melbourne Cup Carnival as the highlight of the filly's season. Following a tough victory at Sandown in September, Treasurethe Moment took on a four-race winning streak, culminating in her triumph at the Oaks. 'We did not have many uncertainties about her at 2000m,' Laurie stated. 'She resolved all of them over the weekend. We were merely looking to find our place, and Damian Lane executed that flawlessly. I began to feel quite anxious and nervous before the race, but it turned out to be an easy watch.'
This victory represents a crucial milestone for Laurie as well as for the Yulong breeding operation, which continues to expand its influence in the equestrian world. Treasurethe Moment marks the first Group 1 winner for Alabama Express, Yulong's promising sire, adding to the consistent success of this breeding powerhouse. 'It’s remarkable,' Laurie commented. 'Yulong has been an incredibly positive influence in the industry, and having their support is genuinely a privilege.'
Jockey Damian Lane, who achieved his own Oaks win with Aristia in 2018, shared Laurie's views, commending the filly's innate talent and the performance trends that contributed to her victory. 'Matt mentioned to me prior to her last race that he believed she was a genuinely promising horse, and she has validated his opinion. She’s a fantastic horse,' Lane remarked, underscoring the reliability of the Wakeful-Oaks form. 'I felt assured that this was the right form, and it turned out to be correct.'
Treasurethe Moment's victory in the VRC Oaks exemplifies the importance of meticulous breeding, skilled training, and proficient riding. As the filly's journey continues, her possibilities appear boundless, and the Melbourne Cup Carnival has just celebrated the emergence of a new star in the realm of horse racing.
