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Jockey Damien Thornton’s decision to isolate himself for fifteen days has paid big dividends at Group I Schweppes Oaks (2000m) on Saturday in Morphettville.
Thornton decided to forgo many trips on the Victorian circuit to self-isolate and comply with coronavirus measures to travel during the fall of South Australia.
The play earned Thornton his first Group I group win with the Toffee Tongue trained by Chris Waller.
Toffee Tongue was a maid who attended Saturday’s $ 400,000 contest, but had finished second in her previous four races.
Toffee Tongue ran second after Colette at Adrian Knox Stakes and Australian Oaks in their previous two races, but Godolphin’s filly was not among her rivals on Saturday.
Thornton had to decide which way to go when Toffee Tongue advanced easily on the rail at 600m.
Thornton decided to stay indoors, which proved to be the right move when Toffee Tongue ($ 5 fav) rushed inside to score three-fourths long.
Waller said the stable initially decided to send Toffee Tongue to Brisbane before moving on to Adelaide’s career.
“We only decided to send her to Adelaide after she ran so well at Australian Oaks and Adrian Knox before that,” Waller told AAP.
“It was destined for Queensland.
“Although it was her first victory, I felt that she was always improving.”
“His career at Adrian Knox Stakes was excellent and his career at Australian Oaks was brilliant. Perhaps he should have finished at least a little closer.”
“It’s great to have Group I with her.”
VRC Oaks Moonlight Maid position setter ($ 11) produced a valiant effort to stay second ahead of fellow Victorian Affair To Remember ($ 6.50).
Jockey Zac Spain made a mid-career move to send Moonlight Maid in the lead in a brave decision, which was three-quarters away from being a master shot.
The $ 71 chance at La Falaise was fourth in an overall finish for the Schweppes Oaks.
Only three lengths separated the first nine runners across the line in the Group I event.
Toffee Tongue gave Waller his second Schweppes Oaks after Egg Tart won the race in 2017.
What trip. Congratulations to Damien Thornton for winning his first Group 1.
Toffee Tongue gets his first victory at Australasian Oaks. 👅👅👅 @cwallerracing pic.twitter.com/WA4W3G3YC9
– Racing.com (@Racing) May 2, 2020
Read all news by Brad Waters
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