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Ken Casellas | Photo: Gloucester Park Harness Racing

New Zealand-bred filly In The Spotlight remained unbeaten as a three-year-old when she notched her fourth win in her current campaign by proving too classy for her five WA-bred rivals in the 2130m Simmonds Steel Laser And Tube Cutting Pace at Gloucester Park on Friday night.

In The Spotlight, owned by Team Bond and trained by Greg and Skye Bond, is emerging as a strong contender for the $150,000 WA Oaks over 2536m at Gloucester Park on October 14.

Starting the $1.20 favourite from the No. 1 barrier, In The Spotlight was not extended in setting the pace and winning by just under a length from the $5.50 second fancy Dontbesillychilli, who trailed her throughout.

After a slow lead time of 39.2sec. and easy opening quarters of 31.2sec. and 30.6sec., In The Spotlight, driven by Ryan Warwick, increased the tempo with final 400m sections of 29.2sec. and 28.8sec.

“She was pretty good tonight,” said Warwick. “She’s not a speedy miler; she’s more of a strong filly and the Oaks is the sort of race that will suit her.”

In The Spotlight is by Bettors Delight and is the second foal out of Goodlookingbabe, who won at three of her 14 starts before being retired to stud. In The Spotlight has earned $103,764 from seven wins and three placings from 12 starts. Her dam is a half-sister to former champion youngster Elle Mac, whose 12 wins and ten placings from 32 starts included six victories in group 1 feature events as a two, three and four-year-old.