Commanding win in Oaks by Dibabam

LEESTON’S leading light, Dibabam, gave her rivals no chance of beating her with a commanding frontrunning performance in yesterday’s group 2 Southland Oaks at Ascot Park.

The Terry and Glenys Chmieltrained filly had the race in her keeping when she hit the front with 2000m left to run in the 2700m feature and did not let those who backed her in to a $1.90 favourite down.

Dibaba’s rivals sealed their own fate when they left the winner alone in front as she reeled off a fast 55.8sec final 800m that gave nothing behind her a chance to win.

The Southland Oaks is quickly becoming a favourite race for The Chmiels who won the event with Nek Time two years ago.

It has extra appeal for Glenys Chmiel who is making a big mark on the feature 3yrold fillies’ event in her former home province.

‘‘To come home and win it twice now, it has always been a favourite Southland race to win It means a lot to me,’’ she said.

Her two training wins enabled her surpass the deads of her highly successful father, the late former Southland trainer Bryce Buchanan, who won the race with Lover’s Wish in 1995.

Dibaba has shown remarkable progression to win the group 2 race in her first racing campaign.

Chmiel credits a trip to January’s Nelson circuit as being a turning point in Dibaba’s career.

‘‘We have always liked her, but she has always been a bit weak and has only been coverered up and let her do her work late,’’ Chmiel said.

‘‘We took her to Nelson in January and she came home a different horse and now she can tough it out. She proved she was the best filly in the field.’’

Dibaba was already high in the country’s 3yrold fillies rankings before yesterday’s win but she has now booked herself a trip to the Harness Jewels in Cambridge at Queen’s Birthday Weekend.

The Chmiels also have the New Zealand Oaks to look forward to with their star filly.

Tres Vite held down second placing after trailing Dibaba throughout yesterday’s race.

Betterthanbrie ran in to third when in to the clear after being snookered four back on the inner for the entire race.