Winner: Impressive Jeuney (Jeune-Rego’s Girl)
Race: WATC Oaks G3 (2400m)
Sold for: $27,000
Sale: 2007 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, Gold Coast
Vendor: Newhaven Park Stud
Buyer: Impressive Racing
Earnings: $441,700
Owner(s): Impressive Racing Pty Ltd (Mgr: K Berry), Sungame Pty Ltd Syndicate (Mgr: D Sapina), BE Kay, Dr BE Kay, CA Bibra, TE Gilfillan & JA Gilfillan
Trainer: Darren McAuliffe
Impressive Jeuney could back up in next Saturday’s Group One WA Derby at Ascot after cruising home in the $252,000 Group Three WA Oaks (2400m) at the same track on Saturday.
Sent out the odds on favourite after a brilliant last start lead up win, Impressive Jeuney led throughout for an emphatic almost three length victory.
A $27,000 purchase by her trainer Darren McAuliffe at the 2007 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, Impressive Jeuney has turned out an incredible money spinner for the team from Impressive Racing.
With the Oaks added to her previous stakes wins in a WA St Leger, a La Trice Classic and her previous star win in the Natasha Stakes, Impressive Jeuney has seen her earnings soar past $441,000.
For McAuliffe the win was pretty much a relief – the main aim of the preparation done and dusted.
“That’s the one we brought her in for – so mission accomplished.”
McAuliffe was delighted with the ride from top local senior jockey Shaun O’Donnell – who had the daughter of Jeune cruising along at the head of the field.
“He rated her to perfection and she’s done the job,” he said. “It’s very pleasing.”
“I thought she went a bit steady for her early on. We’re always wary about tactics and how other people want the race to pan out to suit their own interests.”
“I’m pretty relieved to be honest,” he added.
Impressive Jeuney could run in next Saturday’s WA Derby against the boys – but connections are not rushing to make a decision yet.
McAuliffe said the filly’s welfare will always come first.
“That will top her off for the Derby if she goes that way. But I’d be inclined to probably pull the pin with her now to be honest.”
“I won’t make a decision until next Saturday. We’ll give her all week to make sure I’m happy with her and if she’s right she will run.”
Winning rider Shaun O’Donnell was thrilled with the win – describing the performance and feeling afterwards as “just awesome.”
“She’s a freak. Words can’t describe it. She deserves this win. It’s awesome.”
Impressive Jeuney, bred and sold as a weanling by the Kelly family’s Newhaven Park, is the first runner to date for the winning Rory’s Jester mare Rego’s Girl.
Rego’s Girl, who won at 1400 metres, is a daughter of the Belmont Guineas and Belmont Oaks winner Key Target (Serheed).
Hers is also the family of proven WA stakes performers Glory Hunter, Stray Bullet, Dangervorn, Thermo King, Blonde ester and Sharp and Sassy.
