Tajmeel (AUS) was waiting for a step up in trip and it was no surprise to see her score an easy victory in the Gr 2 Betting World Oaks over 2400m at Clairwood on Sunday. Beloved Betty (SAF) filled the runner-up berth ahead of Europe To Africa (AUS) and Final Score (SAF).

Avenue Of Gold was the only runner in the race with proven staying form and she was soon in front to ensure that they wouldn't dawdle early on - not that the pace was particularly frenetic, though, as Anthony Delpech soon moved Tajmeel into second place to ensure she wouldn't be caught out if it became a sprint down the straight. Razzle Dazzle Rose settled in third ahead of Pintari with Hijacked and Beloved Betty next best. Europe To Africa raced towards the rear with only Final Score and Misty Morn behind her.

Tajmeel made her move soon after entering the straight and the race was quickly over as a contest. Beloved Betty briefly looked as if she might pose a thyreat but Tajmeel got stronger the further they went and she won very comfortably by just over two lengths.

There was an air of inevitability about this victor,y with Tajmeel having been bred for this sort of trip and her granddam having not only won the New Zealand Oaks but also having placed in both the Oaks and Derby in Australia. She's still relatively lightly raced and there should be even more improvement to come.

Beloved Betty ran another honest race and, although struggling to get her head in front, has been running well in defeat and adding more black type to her name with each run. She just happened to bump a smart rival today and will find easier opportunities than this to get back on the winning trail.

Europe To Africa ran well enough, given that she was taking on stronger than she had beaten previously, while Final Score made some late progress but never looked like threatening the principals.

3 b f  Nadeem (AUS) - Asaleeb (GB) by Alhaarth (IRE)
Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum
Bred by Shadwell Stud
Winning trainer: Mike de Kock