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So Dazzling has staked her claim for the VRC Oaks with a gritty win at Flemington.

Sent out 100-1 on debut in a hot maiden at Warwick Farm, the John Sargent trained filly proved her strong closing fifth there was no fluke, running out a narrow winner over the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young trained Whakamana.

No stranger to Oaks' fillies, having won the Queensland Oaks, New Zealand Oaks and ATC Oaks (x2), most notably with Gust Of Wind in 2015 which, as history would show, was the last time champion mare Winx was beaten.

Stable representative Paige Balman was reserved post-race but suggested So Dazzling was their best Oaks' chance.

"She's very classy so on and off the track she's been great to deal with," Balman said.

Jockey Damien Oliver was a bit more effusive after the ¾ length win, happy that the filly was able to hold a spot given the rise in distance.

"She's a lovely staying filly. I saw her last run and she didn't show any speed at all early but she was great the last 150 of her race last time," Oliver said.

After settling midfield with cover, Oliver was able to present four wide on the turn and So Dazzling never looked in serious threat in the straight.

"I did get there a little soon but it wasn't matter of actually going, they really steadied up that midrace and she just cruised up there," Oliver said.

"John Sargent certainly knows what he's doing with staying horses so she's got a bit going for her."