Australasian Oaks – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 19 acceptances for the Australasian Oaks, where there will be 16 runners and the other 3 are emergencies. Six of the runners had their last start in the Group 3 Auraria Stakes over 1800m at Morphettville on 15th April, two in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas over 1800m at Morphettville on 15th April and two in the Listed Clare Lindop Stakes over 1600m at Morphettville on 1st April, while the rest all came via different races. Trainers Leon Macdonald & Andrew Gluyas have two runners while Ciaron Maher & David Eustace and Trent Bussttin & Natalie Young both have three runners. There are two runners sired by So You Think, two by Reward For Effort and two by Sebring.

The betting market is very open and the early favourite is Arts who won the 2000m Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes by over 4 lengths on a heavy track 2 starts back. Second favourite is West Aussie She’s Fit who won the WA Oaks over 2400m. Third favourite is Affaire A Suivre who was a 1.4 length winner of the Port Adelaide Guineas.  Jennilala won the Auraria Stakes. Running On Time ran 2nd in the Port Adelaide Guineas. Party Princess was 2nd in the Clare Lindop Stakes, while As Time Goes By was the winner. The rest of the runners are currently over $14.

1. She’s Fit (16)

Filly from Western Australia who has loved stepping up in distance. She won the Listed Natasha Stakes over 2200m at Ascot on 12 March, then won the Group 3 W.A. Oaks over 2400m on 25 March before going up against the boys and running 1.8 lengths 3rd in the Group 2 WATC Derby over 2400m on 8 April. Has drawn wide but is good enough to overcome that. If the rain comes it’s unknown how she will handle the going.

2. Arts (13)

Was mega-impressive winning the Adrian Knox by over 4 lengths on heavy going, and is one of only 2 runners to have won at this distance (the other is Moya Lass). Her latest start was 5th in the Group 1 Australian Oaks over 2400m at Randwick on 8 April where she’d had enough at the 200m. Back to this distance should be perfect and she has won in the wet. One of the major chances.

3. Jennilala (2)

One of three runners for Ciaron Maher & David Eustace (the others are Affaire A  Suivre and Running On Time). She came from well back in the field to win the Auraria Stakes by 0.9 length last start and should be highly competitive again.

4. As Time Goes By (14)

Hung on for a narrow win in the Clare Lindop Stakes last time out. Ran 5th in the Group 1 Kennedy Oaks over 2500m back in November, so will get the distance. Should be in the finish.

5. Amati (8)

Mixes her form and is untried at the distance. Doubt she would be here if Chris Waller didn’t think she had a chance.

6. Affaire A Suivre (18)

Won a maiden plate at Cranbourne at her 4th start then showed plenty of ability with a 1.4 length win in the Port Adelaide Guineas. The wide barrier is a big challenge here.

7. Running On Time (9)

Raced up on pace throughout before being gathered in by the winner in the last 100m to run 2nd in the Port Adelaide Guineas. Place chance.

8. More Reward (15)

Made ground for 3.8 lengths 7th in the Auraria Stakes and has won over 1800m. Could surprise.

9. Killiako (1)

Won over 1600m last start against the older horses and her breeding says the 2000m will not worry her. Ideally drawn and probably hoping for a wet track.

10. Arugamama (12)

One of two runners for Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas (the other is Party Princess). Finished 2nd in the Auraria Stakes last start after placing in the Clare Lindop at the start before. One for the exotics.

11. Party Princess (7)

Ran on strongly for a close 2nd in the Clare Lindop after winning her 2 previous starts. Looks as if the 200m will suit. In the mix.

12. Proscenium Arch (6)

One of three runners for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young (the others are Whakamana and Starianne). Has been running on at the end of her races and might like this distance.

13. Anphina (4)

Finished 4th in the Clare Lindop then 4th in the Auraria Stakes. Rough place chance.

14. Whakamana (3)

Finished 2nd over 1600m at Pakenham last start and raced over 200m dring the spring. Not the worst.

15. Starianne (5)

Untried at the distance but she is out of a Zabeel mare so should stay.

16. Moya Lass (11)

Won a maiden plate over 2000m at Pakenham last start, making her one of 2 runners to have won at the distance. Taking a huge rise in class here.

17e. Rich Result (10)

Looks safely held.

18e. Whispering Lady (19)

Won a Terang maiden over 1850m on heavy going by nearly 4 lengths last start. Consider if the track ends up heavy.

19e. Ravin (17)

Ran 5th iin the Auraria Stakes, but is still a maiden. Looking to others.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Arts
4 As Time Goes By
6 Affaire A Suivre
11 Party Princess

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	6 Affaire A Suivre
2nd	1 She’s Fit	0.2 length
3rd	3 Jennilala	1.3 lengths
4th	15 Starianne	2 lengths

The track was rated as Soft 5.

Scratchings: 17e, Rich Result, 18e. Whispering Lady, 19e. Ravin.