Newthinginthong scores runaway Oaks Stakes victory

The filly’s victory in the classic, gave new owner Brian Thomas a big thrill, and it also saw trainer Dr Antho ny Griffith saddling his first classic winner.

Jockey Nicholas Patrick kept Newthinginthong in mid-pack of the 10-horse field and sent the filly intohigh gear to sweep past Rocket Princess and final Effort 250 metres from the end of the 1800 metres race worth a total of $150,000.

And when tghe post came, Newthinginthong cruised to a 7 3/4 length victory with a running on Saint Honey in second. Twoyear- old Golden Choice qwas an impressive winner over 1200 metres, beating the older horses rated 50-35 by a comfortable four lengths, with Peace N Glory trailing in second in the good time of one minute 13.0 seconds (hand timed).

The 12-year-old Seal The Deal was a surprise winner of the day’s second event returning $8.60 and $4.20 on the tote.

But US Marshall was best on tote rewarding backers with $25.20 and $2.30.

The day’s under-card, the 1350 metres extended sprint for horses rated 80-60, was cheekily won by Holy Man, nicknamed “The Pope.

The Shaffique Khantrained runner got home by a head on front Free Passage who was a half length ahead of the consistent Swept Away.

Ronald “Tiger” Ali lengthened his lead over current champion Prayven Badrie in the race for the jockeys title.

He landed two more winners yesterday to take his season’s tally to 38, while Badrie drew a blank yesterday to remain on 35..

Biggest Hi5 dividend of the day came in the fifth race on the cmbination of Poppy Love, All Is Yours, Theradioannouncers, Always Ready and Kentucky Woman - $8,436.20.