In a performance that defied all expectations, Strictly Business transformed from an unheralded contender to a champion filly with a breathtaking victory in the Group 1 VRC Oaks at Flemington.
The three-year-old sensation, trained by Mick Price and ridden by master jockey Blake Shinn, left her rivals in the dust with a dominant display that had racing purists shaking their heads in disbelief.
A Dream Realised Against All Odds
Starting as a $7 chance in the 2500m classic, Strictly Business showcased incredible stamina and determination, powering away from the field in the final stretch to secure a victory that seemed almost scripted for Hollywood.
"This is the stuff dreams are made of," an emotional Mick Price declared after the race. "To see this filly develop from a promising youngster to a Group 1 winner in this fashion - it's beyond anything we imagined."
Shinn's Masterful Ride
Jockey Blake Shinn, who had previously expressed confidence in the filly's staying potential, executed a perfectly timed ride that showcased both patience and tactical brilliance.
"I knew she had the stamina, I knew she had the heart," Shinn explained. "When I asked her for that extra effort in the straight, she just exploded. That final burst was something special."
From Underdog to Overnight Sensation
What makes Strictly Business's victory particularly remarkable is her rapid ascent through the racing ranks. Previously considered more of a staying prospect than an Oaks favourite, her transformation into a Group 1 winner has captured the imagination of the racing world.
The victory marks another significant achievement for the training partnership of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr., further cementing their reputation as developers of elite racing talent.
As the celebrations continue at Flemington, one thing is certain: Strictly Business has not only won the VRC Oaks but has also won the hearts of Australian racing fans with a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
