Oaklands Plate – 2021

Track: Heavy   Weather: Showers

Following the early scratching of Son Of Akeed, ten two year olds are set to line up in the Listed Oaklands Plate and they will likely be facing testing conditions with heavy rain forecast in Adelaide on Thursday, Friday & Saturday.  Most of these are trying 1400m for the first time and given the conditions a fit horse could be critical here.  Seven of these are still maidens.  The early favourite in the betting is Bleriot.  She just battled to the line against the older horses last start but bolted in at Murray Bridge prior against her own age.  The second favourite is Mac ‘N’ Cheese.  Her two career runs have been full of merit and she is bred to handle these conditions.

Stalking is one of three Victorian trained horses in the race and she hit the line strongly to finish second at Flemington last start.  Gosden, one of two Will Clarken trained runners in the race, resumes in her second preparation and has been met with plenty of early market support.  Tonneofgrit kept coming at Caulfield last start, while Belle Of Yorkes is a last start Murray Bridge winner.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Tonneofgrit

Team Hawkes bring this two year old bay gelding across from Victoria.  He did a good job to win a strong maiden at Geelong two starts ago, then worked through the line solidly last start at Caulfield when fifth behind Jig Saw.  One of the each way chances here.

2. Gosden

Not much went right for him on debut in January when beaten five lengths as a well fancied $2.80 second favourite.  Resumes here with three trials under the belt.  He could be a big improver.

3. Not Bluffing

Debuted over 1100m at Gawler on July 10 where he was beaten some twelve lengths by the smart Taunting.  Hard to recommend off that.

4. Son Of Akeed  – SCRATCHED

Started $151 on debut at Geelong and ran last.  Looking else where.

5. Bleriot

The most experienced runner in the field.  He found a bit of an awkward spot trying to hold his position in between runners last time and only battled into fifth, prior he bolted in by seven lengths at Murray Bridge.  A repeat of that run would see him go close here.

6. Belle Of Yorkes

Loved the way this filly let down to win at Murray Bridge last start and she should have no problem stepping to 1400m based on that.  Capable of measuring up although the insider gate is a little query if they are getting away from the fence.

7. Stalking

Stalking has had two starts for two seconds.  She has been really strong through the line in both runs and looks ready to tackle 1400m third up.  Should get a gun run from barrier five.

8. Roxy Blue

Finished second in the listed Cinderella Stakes here before spelling.  Started favourite in the race won by Belle Of Yorkes last start but was soundly beaten by that horse.  Fitter for that but needs to improve.

9. Mac ‘N’ Cheese

The only runner in the field to have had a run over the distance.  She arguably should of won on debut at Bendigo when second behind All About Eve and definitely should of won last start at Sandown when badly held up.   I like that she has trialed in between runs and she is bread to relish these conditions.  Leading chance here.

10. Pretentious Diva

Been safely held at both career starts.  This appears a big throw at the stumps!

11. Cassowary

Ditto Cassowary who was beaten some 14.5 lengths last start.  Looks very unlikely here.

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

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
9. Mac ‘N’ Cheese	9. Mac ‘N’ Cheese
5. Bleriot	6. Belle Of Yorkes
7. Stalking	2. Gosden
6. Belle Of Yorkes	7. Stalking

Listed Belmont Classic 2021 (Belmont 2200m)