On his first visit to Sydney, veteran New Zealand trainer Kevin Gray has picked up a lot more than expenses with Daffodil's brilliant win in the AJC Australian Oaks.Gray's flight across the Tasman wasn't as traumatic as the filly's after she had to endure thunderstorms which forced the plane to circle Sydney, followed by a two-hour delay to get ground staff to offload her.She showed no signs of the drama and no signs of being tired after a long preparation when she peeled out in the straight to

On his first visit to Sydney, veteran New Zealand trainer Kevin Gray has picked up a lot more than expenses with Daffodil's brilliant win in the AJC Australian Oaks.

Gray's flight across the Tasman wasn't as traumatic as the filly's after she had to endure thunderstorms which forced the plane to circle Sydney, followed by a two-hour delay to get ground staff to offload her.

She showed no signs of the drama and no signs of being tired after a long preparation when she peeled out in the straight to race away full of running at the end of the 2400 metres.

Daffodil ($13) had 2-1/4 lengths to spare over Think Money ($18) with favourite Miss Darcey ($4.80) another half-length away.

"I've never been to Sydney before so it's great to come here and win a Group One," Gray said.

"It's great to win a Group One anywhere but this is a great thrill in my life."

Gray trains for Garry Chittick of Waikato Stud who wanted to bring Daffodil to Sydney despite her lengthy campaign which began in September.

Daffodil won the Thousand Guineas in November but was an unlucky fourth in the New Zealand Oaks in March.

She kept out of trouble on Saturday with some of the other runners striking traffic back in the field.

Zapurple missed the start but made her way to the front to take the lead from Purple but both were found wanting when the swoopers came.

Hugh Bowman rode Daffodil and said her reputation was well founded.

"I was booked to ride her two weeks ago and I knew nothing about her," he said.

"I was assured she had a fair amount of ability and she showed that this afternoon."

Stablemates Miss Darcey and Nothin' Leica Cat lined up in the third and fourth-placed stalls with trainer Anthony Cummings pleased with their efforts.

"They got the worst of the runs and hit traffic jams but they both ran very well," he said.

"I'll have a think about Miss Darcey but the other one will go to Brisbane for the fillies races heading to the Queensland Oaks."

Daffodil will go home for a break while Bart Cummings will also send Think Money to the spelling paddock still a maiden.

"I think she had a bit too much work to do but she went very well," Cummings said.

"And I've got the full-brother to the winner. He's getting over having bone chips removed and should be back soon.

"I hope he's as good."

That full-brother is four-year-old Rotorua who has had one win from his three starts.