Oakleigh Plate – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

This is a vintage edition of the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate with a full field of sixteen plus four emergencies set to line up over the 1100m.  It’s noteworthy that this race is to be run on the Lakeside Track which normally favours those closer to the speed.  Asfoora has been at the top of betting since futures markets opened on this event and draws a lovely gate (6) for Jye McNeil.  I Am Me is looking to make it five wins in a row, while Chain Of Lightning was very unlucky first up in the Rubiton and can be in the finish with even luck in running.

1. Roch ‘N’ Horse

Last November’s Champion Sprint winner resumes here with 58kg.  Has drawn a nice gate to blend in out wide on the track.

2. Lombardo

First up after just one start in the spring where he finished ten of ten.  Happy to watch him.

3. Masked Crusader

Resumes.  He is one of our better credentialed sprinters having finished second in an Everest but it’s been a while since he has won.  Knock out.

4. The Astrologist

Won the Gold Rush over 1400m at Ascot in December.  1100m is short of his best.  Consider for multiples.

5. King Of Sparta

Ridden to perfection by James McDonald to win the Magic Millions sprint on Jan 19.  Not sure barrier 3 suits this horse.  Will need some luck but does have a hot J Allen in the saddle.

6. Zoustyle

Queenslander who was very consistent with out winning in the spring.  Should charge across from the outside gate and lob in the first couple.

7. Marine One

Was a very solid fourth in the Rubiton coming off a 12 month layoff.  Should take nice improvement from that.

8. Uncommon James

O’Dea & Hoysted runner who did some lovely things in the Spring.  He was a good second first up in the Rubiton and is clearly one of the each way chances here.

9. Asfoora

Resumes.  Announced herself as a serious sprinter in the spring winning three of four including the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint in fast time.  Jump outs have been good.  Draws perfectly.

10. Lofty Strike

Produced a big close to win the Rubiton here first up.  Drawn to do something similar again here.

11. Chain Of Lightning

Had a terrific spring.  Failed in the Golden Eagle but respecting the market move there where she was heavily heavily backed into equal favourite.  Loved the run first up in the Rubiton – no luck at a crucial stage then charged through the line.  Get’s a positive weight pull on the winner.  Will need a good ride from Willow but if she gets it I think she has a huge chance in this.

12. Shooting For Gold

Has a good record at the distance but not sure he has the class to be winning here.  Consider for multiples.

13. I Am Me

Progressive four year old mare from the Maher & Eustace barn.  She has won her last three in Sydney and gets the service of Jamie Kah.  Should settle handy.

14. Mileva

Flys first up and her second to Bella Nipotina at Moonee Valley last August reads well.

15. Star Patrol

Was exceptional winning on the Hillside first up over 1000m.  This is a big step up but he is capable of making the rise in class.

16. Zapateo

Was desperately unlucky behind race favourite Asfoora at Flemington before the break.  Another who goes well first up.

17. Shamino

Was a very good run here two back.  This is tougher.

18. Oxley Road

Didn’t do enough first up.

19. Triple Miss

Closed off okay first up.  Place chance.

20. Bless Her

Out classed here.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
11 Chain Of Lightning	13 I Am Me
13 I Am Me	8 Uncommon James
9 Asfoora	11 Chain Of Lightning
10 Lofty Strike	15 Star Patrol