Candika yet to prove she can stay distance

Trainer Steve O’Dea still isn’t totally convinced his star filly Candika is a genuine Queensland Oaks hopeful despite her easy win at Doomben.

Given the run of the race by jockey Damien Browne, Candika ($1.95) came away to win by 3 1/4 lengths to Prada Miss ($31) in the Listed Princess Stakes (1600m).

O’Dea said it was good to see that Candika was now settling in her races.

“It was only a few runs back she wanted to over-race in 1500-metre race.

“But the way she went today means we will press on to races over a bit further,” O’Dea said.

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O’Dea said should Candika indicate she wouldn’t stay she could come back to the shorter races in the winter like the Queensland Guineas.

Browne said it had been a strong win in a race run to suit Candika.

“The Bracelet will give us a better idea if she can stay.”

Apart from the winner the most impressive run was from Benfica Princess ($26) who was left in front when she normally comes from well back in the field.

Benfica Princess held on to dead-heat for third with Siren’s Fury ($5.50).