An authoritative victory in the G3 Sunline Vase at Ellerslie on Wednesday has elevated Rock Diva into contention for the G1 New Zealand Oaks.

Rock Diva (3f Lucky Unicorn – Bohemian Blues by Blues Traveller) wasn’t entered for the NZ Oaks but she will now be a late entry for the 2400 metre classic at Trentham on March 15.

“We didn’t put her in because she hadn’t even trialled at that stage or even been named,” trainer Tony Pike said. ”She’s a progressive filly, a lovely big scopey filly who has just kept improving.

“Today’s win was a lovely trial for the Oaks.  She just cruised around them so easily.”  Pike won the Sunline Vase – NZ Oaks double with More Than Sacred last year and both fillies are owned by the Raffles Dancers syndicate.

Rock Diva was a very impressive Pukekohe maiden winner last month but it was nothing compared to the way she dealt with some talented fillies over 2100 metres at Ellerslie.  “She was just lobbing along and did it easily,” jockey Leith Innes said.  “She’s only going to improve and will have no trouble running 2400 right out.”

Her sire Lucky Unicorn (Redoute’s Choice) originally stood at Cambridge Stud before relocating to Phil Ibbotson’s Westbury Park Stud in Pinjarra last year.

ROCK DIVA
Lucky Unicorn filly wins the G3 Sunline Classic