Oakfield Wallaby ready to make leap to the next level

You can’t do more than win and that’s something Oakfield Wallaby has made a habit of since joining the Kris Lees stable.

And with five wins from six starts for the Newcastle trainer, the mare’s casual approach to trackwork but penchant for winning races is making it hard for Lees to work out where her level is.

Oakfield Wallaby chases successive city wins in the Stud & Stable Staff Awards Handicap (1800m) at Kensington on Wednesday.

“We’ve got to try and place her where she’s best suited,” Lees said. “She doesn’t show us much at home so it’s hard to get too enthusiastic, but she brings it to the races.”

The four-year-old has already won up to 2200m, but Lees elected to stay at the 1800m at Kensington and give her the chance to back up that last start win over the same course.

Her ability to stay came in handy in her latest win where she had last call, after a few early moves, and was able to run down Tympanist to score by a length.

She rises to 60.5kg and meets that horse 2.5kg worse on Wednesday, so Lees said it will be a good test for her.

“She’s doing a really good job, she can stick and get over a bit of ground,” he said. “We gave her plenty of time to get over her first-up run but two weeks is suitable for her now.

“It’s similar grade but up a bit in weight. She’s won over further so we’ll step her up again off the back of this.”