Treasurethe Moment stamps VRC Oaks claims with comprehensive win in Wakeful Stakes at Flemington

A home-bred could give the breeding giants Yulong an Oaks victory next week after Treasurethe Moment’s dominant performance in the Wakeful Stakes.

Yulong has spent millions buying recent Oaks winners to add to its stunning broodmare portfolio, now one of their own home-bred fillies will get the chance to add her name to the crop.

Talented filly Treasurethe Moment franked her credentials for the $1m VRC Oaks (2500m) in a dominant Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) victory on Saturday.

Trainer Matt Laurie said she will almost certainly back-up in Thursday’s race.

To make matters even sweeter for Yulong, Treasurethe Moment is by the stud’s young stallion-on-the-rise Alabama Express, who now has four stakes winners to his name.

Cometh the horse, cometh the moment 🤩

TREASURETHE MOMENT books her spot into the Crown Oaks after winning the HKJC World Pool Wakeful Stakes.

🎥 @wwos | #DerbyDay | #MelbCupCarnivalpic.twitter.com/i1z4rzVTIJ

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 2, 2024

Laurie said he couldn’t have been more pleased with the filly going into the Wakeful Stakes.

“Her work last weekend was fantastic and she’s obviously strung a nice record together leading into this, but on a big track, you know, we were pretty confident,” Laurie said.

“If she’s recovered well, then we’ll be here. We’re looking forward to Thursday.”

Treasurethe Moment firmed into $4 second favourite for the VRC Oaks behind Powers Of Opal ($3), having knocked off John Sergeant’s filly by 1¾ lengths on Saturday.

Yulong founder’s Yuesheng Zhang was on hand to see Treasurethe Moment win her fourth race from six starts.

The operation has bought a swag of Group 1 winning broodmares in recent years, including ATC Oaks winner Autumn Angel and Queensland Oaks winner Duais.

Laurie is convinced the step up to 2500m on Thursday won’t be an issue.

Treasurethe Moment powers away to win the Wakeful Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Like Yulong’s Cox Plate winner Via Sistina, Treasurethe Moment is out of a Street Cry mare.

“There’s a bit of a staying bloodline further down the page,” Laurie said.

“Her work last weekend suggested she was more than up to this as a company.

“It’s great to try and win for Yulong. They’ve been really supportive of me and I can’t wait till next week.”

Jockey Damian Lane indicated the rise in distance would not be an issue.

“On how she went today, I think she can (run 2500m). She ran right to the line, so hopefully that indicates she’s going to run the trip,” Lane said.

“If we have quick ground, I think that’s going to suit her. Hopefully she comes through the run well and can go to the Oaks.”

Originally published as Treasurethe Moment stamps VRC Oaks claims with comprehensive win in Wakeful Stakes at Flemington