2023 New Zealand Oaks: Race History

The New Zealand Oaks run at Trentham on Saturday is often a very good guide as to whether the fillies will go on to be good stayers.

Bonneval running in the Ladbrokes Caulfield Stakes
Bonneval running in the Ladbrokes Caulfield Stakes Picture: Race Images Photo

Bonneval came over to Australia and cleaned up. Can we see another like her in the 2023 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday?

2023 NEW ZEALAND OAKS - RACE HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

The New Zealand Oaks is a Group 1 race run under Set Weight conditions for three year old fillies at Trentham race course conducted by the Wellington Racing Club.

The New Zealand Oaks is run over 2400m. It was first run in 1969 and won by Mayo Gold.

The New Zealand Oaks is the main New Zealand fillies race.

As part of the Wellington Cup carnival, it was first run as the Wellington Oaks over a mile and a quarter. However it became a mile and a half in 1973 and was then called the NZ Oaks in 1974.

Kiwis fillies have run well in this and then headed to Australia for either the Sydney races or the Brisbane races. Just in 2017 Bonneval won with ease at Randwick after winning at Trentham.

One of those was Miltak who also took out an Auckland Cup and a BMW at Rosehill.

Savvy Coup won the Oaks with ease and in the Spring graduated to WFA to take the Spring Classic.

Opie Bosson has a top recent record winning four of them from 2000 to 2010 and again in 2021.

The New Zealand Oaks was worth NZ$450,000 in 2023.

Notable winners of the New Zealand Oaks include Amarelinha (2021), Jennifer Eccles (2020), Savvy Coup (2018), Bonneval (2017), Fanatic (2016), Boundless (2008), Princess Coup (2007), Legs (2006), Justa Tad (2005), Bramble Rose (2003), Savannah Success (1999), Tycoon Lil (1998), Snap (1994), Miltak (1993), Domino (1990) and Candide (1988).

The 2022 New Zealand Oaks was won by Belle En Rouge from Self Obsession and Aspen Colorado.


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