Leading all the way, Soul Choice notched her third career victory in the Tasmanian Oaks.
An all-Tasmanian lead-up has paid off for training partners G Waterhouse and Adrian Bott as Soul Choice fended off a late challenge to win the Listed Tasmanian Oaks at Launceston.
Soul Choice, the $1.45 betr favourite, led throughout the 2100-metre journey as steady preparation – which began with a trial in Sydney in October – may have come to a close with this win the main target achieved.
Challenged on the home turn and again to the line by Hoops ($26), the training team were confident that Soul Choice would stay the distance.
“We know how gutsy this filly is,” stable representative Bec Shanks said.
“She showed it at Flemington three starts back and we knew she was in for a fight today.”
For Zac Spain it was a fortunate pick-up ride replacing Jordan Childs on suspension.
He remained confident throughout the run, and to the line despite Hoops’ continued effort.
“She’s had a very long prep,” Spain said.
“But that is full credit to Adrian and Gai as they can have their horses up for a long time and still be at their peak performance.
“I felt that when Liam Riordan (on Hoops) came up on my outside, I felt that she was always going to hold.
“A tough little effort by a brave little horse.”
Soul Choice won by a 1/2-length over Hoops with Sirius Princess ($26) over a length away in third.