Miss Keepsake continued the great record of New Zealand fillies in the G1 Queensland Oaks when she scored a narrow victory at Eagle Farm on Saturday.  The Matamata filly is the sixth Kiwi to win in the last decade following Giovana, Ethereal, Zagalia, Vouvray and Eskimo Queen.

Miss Keepsake (3f Keeper – Jacilo by Entrepreneur) is trained by Andrew Scott and is a homebred for Kylie Fawcett and her partner Eddie Wright.   The pair operate the Tirau-based stud Oxford Thoroughbreds.

Fawcett was in the news at the Magic Millions National Foal Sale last week when paying $180,000 for a Starcraft colt.  She bought the youngster from the Kulani Park draft for clients Jim Marks and Kevin Algie.

Scott has been training in his own right for two years after serving as an assistant to Mike Moroney and fellow Kiwi trainers Paul and Dave O’Sullivan.  “I always thought Miss Keepsake had the ability to win this race,” Scott said.  “We will back-up in the Queensland Derby next week.”  

The only fillies to complete the Oaks-Derby double in the modern era have been Riva San (2008), Royal Magic (1992), Bravery (1988) and Analie (1973).

The Queensland Oaks was also a timely result for Danehill stallion Keeper.  He has sired 15 stakes winners worldwide including the G1 winners Miss Keepsake, Keep the Peace (2010 NZ Oaks), Insouciant (2008 NZ Bloodstock 3YO Filly of the Year), Keepa Cruisin (Levin Classic) and Linky Dink (QTC T J Smith Classic).  Cambridge Stud will stand him for a $15,000 (+ gst) fee this year.

Miss Keepsake’s dam Jacilo was unplaced in 8 starts.  Second dam My Tripos (Sir Tristram) also retired a maiden but she is a sister to G1 racehorse and sire Grosvenor.

Jacilo has an unraced 2yo filly named Villifye (O’Reilly).  She wasn’t covered in 2008 and slipped twins by Perfectly Ready in 2009.  She was served by Any Suggestion at Rich Hill Stud last year.