TERRIFIC SALTO SHOWS OAKS GRIT

Trainer Danny O'Brien has top class stayer of the future on his hands after Salto Angel almost caused boil over in Thursday's VRC Oaks.  

The Waikato Stud bred-filly, pictured (yellow cap), showed her excellent stamina reserves with a gutsy second-place finish in the time honoured classic.

"She was very brave and we were thrilled with her effort," O'Brien said.

"We always hoped to get her in a strong mile-and-a-half race, that's the way she's always profiled and she got that today. "

Salto Angel loomed up to dual Group 1 winner, and short-priced favourite, Montefilia at the 400m-mark and engaged in a two-horse war.

However no sooner had the daughter of Sacred Falls put her nose in front, in sight of the finish, that Coolmore's Personal arrived late to claim the spoils and give Damien Oliver his sixth Oaks victory. 

"She showed what she's capable of, but she was just beaten by a better filly today," O'Brien said.

"We were really pleased, we've had this in mind for 12 months, she's got here on the day and performed and unfortunately she's run second."

Salto Angel,  who cost $130,000 at Karaka, enhanced her pedigree page significantly thanks to her excellent staying performance given she is a half-sister to Queensland Oaks winner Miss Keepsake. 

Pic by Racing Photos