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Only Words advertises Queensland Oaks credentials

The Chris Waller-trained Only Words (3 f ex Jungle Pago by Darci Brahma) announced herself as bonafide Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) contender when she took out the BRC The Roses (Gr 2, 2000m) at Doomben on Saturday and in doing so became the second Group winner for Novara Park Stud-based Sweynesse (Lonhro). 

Ridden by Craig Williams, the Chris Waller-trained three-year-old was coming off a third-placing in the Gold Coast Bracelet (Listed, 1800m) and from a good draw in barrier seven, Only Words comfortably handled the middle-distance test to beat Bargain (Ocean Park) by a length and a half. Charms Star (Per Incanto) was another neck away in third. 

Williams feels Only Words has the right profile to be competitive in the Oaks in two weeks. 

"She's done a few things wrong in her lead-up races and today she did everything right and was quite dominant," Williams said. 

"She will get another good experience from today and most importantly confidence. 

"She will line up in a very competitive Oaks in two weeks if they decide to go that way with her and I'm hoping I get the ride." 

Waller saddled up six runners in the Group 2 race and they all finished in the top eight, including favourite Grace And Harmony (Sebring), who was sixth. 

Waller said that while Only Words did a superb job, punters should not give up on the beaten favourite whose cause was hindered by a wide draw, who like the winner will also head to the Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on June 5. 

"As we saw today, barrier draws may have hurt Grace And Harmony's chances so don't drop off her yet," Waller said. 

"Full credit to Only Words, Craig gave her a lovely ride. She was there at the 300 metre mark and gave a good, solid kick and it proved to be a winning one." 

The three-year-old filly is one of two winners out of winning Darci Brahma (Danehill) mare Jungle Pago and she is herself a daughter of Group 2 winner Climb The Vine (Chanteclair). 

Climb The Vine is a sister to the dam of Listed winer Red Hot Sox (Saxon). 

In 2018 Jungle Pago foaled a filly by late Novara Park-based sire Jakkalberry (Storming Home). 

Sweynesse has sired three stakes winners in total, with the others being Group 3 winner Bonita Aurelia and Listed scorer Brix and his 2021 fee is yet to be announced.