From Harness Link (Tony Milanese, published 10 May 2025)
Queensland filly Cool and Classy (CAPTAINTREACHEROUS) lived up to her top class two year old reputation when she outstayed her harness racing rivals in the Group 1 $200,000 John Gibson Memorial New South Wales Oaks at Menangle Park on Saturday night.
In an action packed event where the lead changed several times Cool and Classy was driven back in the field by Grant Dixon. Sugar Pie Honey showed her customary early speed to take up the running but gave it up to the well backed favourite Soho Americano. In turn Soho Americano surrendered the lead to I’ll Be Gone but then as the field shuffled Luke McCarthy on Soho Americano worked his way back to the lead.
In the back straight both Cool and Classy and Beach Diamond unleashed strong sprints to join the leader. But it was left to Cool and Classy to lay down the gauntlet to Soho Americano. Soho Americano was still clear on straightening but she had no match for Cool and Classy’s finishing effort. Sugar Pie Honey held on for third ahead of the fast finishing Ruby Rules who came from last to grab fourth placing.
Grant Dixon on Cool and Classy stated
“I was very happy with her run last week but happier with her when she come down through the week and pleased to get the result.”
“She’s a nice filly but not in the same league as Leap to Fame and never will be. Kevin and Kay Seymour the owners hold a special place for her.
I’m super pleased to have won an Oaks with this filly. She’s done a great job in the stable and pleased that it worked out for her.”
As a two year old Cool and Classy won seven of her eight starts and this time in she had been placed three times including a third in her heat of the NSW Oaks last week. The filly will prove very hard to beat if Dixon elects to set her for the Queensland Oaks to be staged at Albion Park on 19 July and he will have a strong second string with Ruby Rules.
