Quality filly earns Oaks berth

QUALITY filly Sparkling Sea did more than grab the chocolates last night.

Trained and driven by David Hewitt, Sparkling Sea proved too good in the Golden Easter Egg at Club Menangle.

Thanks to her success in the popular feature the daughter of Lather Up earned a berth in the New South Wales Oaks at the world class venue on May 2.

Heats for the $200,000 Blue Riband are scheduled for ANZAC Day.

The New South Wales edition is Australia’s second oldest Oaks, having been introduced to the racing calendar in 1956 when captured by the immortal Argent.

Victoria launched its Oaks in 1952 by conducting two divisions, which were won by Scottish Pride and Opal Raider.

Rapt with Sparkling Sea’s performance, Hewitt is even more thrilled the three-year-old has qualified for the Oaks.

“This weekend is a good build up for the Oaks,” Hewitt said. “It is great she has automatic entry into the Oaks as now I can just keep her ticking along at home and have the next couple of weeks planned without having to race again.”

As for her latest success, Sparkling Sea covered the mile in 1:52.3 as Perfectdelight and Beachbabe Crocker filled the placings.

Also owned by Hewitt, the three-year-old took her record to eight wins and a second from 10 starts for earnings of $192,032.