Australian Oaks – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Ten fillies have accepted for the Group 1 Australian Oaks.  Four of them are backing up after running in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes last Saturday while three others had their last run in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes on April 3.  Trainer’s Chris Waller and Mark Newnham have strong hands with two runners each in the race.  The early favourite in the betting is Harmony Rose.  She set a frantic pace in the Vinery Stud Stakes where she was only collared late by one of the equal second favorites, Hungry Heart.  Montefilia finished third in the VRC Oaks at Flemington in the spring and backs up here after tackling the boys in the Australian Derby last week.

New Zealand trainer Jamie Richards appears to have another talented horse on his hands called Amarelinha.  She won the New Zealand Oaks over this distance last start.  Bargain caught the eye with a big finish last week and gets the services of leading hoop James McDonald.  Duais won the Adrian Knox Stakes and has proven she can handle all conditions, while Impecunious has progressed well from a Class 1 win at Caulfied in December.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Montefilia

Montefilia backs up after finishing fourth in the Australian Derby against the boys last week.  She has always shown plenty of ability and looks well set up here fourth up on the quick back up.  I also like that she has already had a run at 2400m leading into this.  Expecting her to run well.

2. Amarelinha

New Zealand filly having her first Australian start.  She boasts an impressive record having won 5 of her 7 starts in NZ including the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks on March 20 where she hit the front a long way from home and staved them off.  Must respect these connections!

3. Hungry Heart

Back marker who was suited by the pace going on in the Vinery Stud but was still one of the only horses to make ground out wide all day.  Previously she was very good wining the Phar Lap Stakes.  She is a key chance again here.

4. Harmony Rose

Harmony Rose went way way to fast in the lead last time but fought on bravely to only be collared late by Hungry Heart.  Ran third in the Randwick Guineas prior.  One of the each way chances.

5. Impecunious

Improving type trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young at Cranbourne.  She finished third in the Phar Lap and third in the Vinery Stud.  Is bred to eat up 2400m and carries Damian Oliver.

6. Duais

Has strung together back to back wins.  Likely has to drift back from barrier 10 but she has hit form at the right time.

7. Bargain

Another one on the quick back up.  I thought her run last week in the Adrian Knox was outstanding.  She stormed home from last to finish a narrow second.  Barrier 1 could be tricky but she gets James McDonald.  Include in multiples.

8. Land Ahoy

Strung together back to back provincial wins before finishing midfield in the Adrian Knox last week.  Needs to go to a new level to play a role here.

9. Signora Nera

Former Kiwi now with Chris Waller.  She finished fifth in the Adrian Knox and has drawn well in barrier 6.

10. Sassysav

Won a Wyong maiden over 2100m last start.  Looks like a big throw at the stumps!

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
2. Amarelinha	1. Montefilia
3. Hungry Heart	2. Amarelinha
1. Montefilia	3. Hungry Heart
4. Harmony Rose	4. Harmony Rose

Group 1 Sydney Cup 2021 (Randwick 3200m)

Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes 2021 (Randwick 2000m)

Group 1 Coolmore Legacy 2021 (Randwick 1500m)