Oakleigh Plate 2023 Race Details
Race 9 at Sandown on Saturday the 25th February 2023.
The Oakleigh Plate is a Group 1 race over 1100 metres run by the Melbourne Racing Club. It is an open handicap normally held at Caulfield in late February each year but is at Sandown this year due to track redevelopment. It is held on the same day as the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes. Total prizemoney is $750,000 this year.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the Oakleigh Plate page.

Oakleigh Plate 2023 Preview
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.
Oakleigh Plate 2023 Runner by Runner
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.
Oakleigh Plate 2023 Tips
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 |
Previews for other races this week
Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1200m)
Group 1 Futurity Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1400m)
Group 2 Peter Young Stakes 2023 (Sandown Hillside 1800m)
Group 2 Autumn Classic 2023 (Sandown Hillside 1800m)
Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1400m)
Group 3 Mannerism Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1400m)
Group 3 Zeditave Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1200m)
Listed Victoria Gold Cup 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 2100m)
Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1600m)
Group 1 Surround Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1400m)
Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1400m)
Group 2 Skyline Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1200m)
Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1200m)
Group 3 Liverpool City Cup 2023 (Randwick 1300m)
Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes 2023 (Morphettville 2600m)
Listed Detonator Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1800m)
Listed Lex Piper Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1600m)
Listed Ascot 1000 Guineas 2023 (Ascot 1800m)
Listed Pinjarra Classic 2023 (Pinjarra 1300m) – Sunday
Oakleigh Plate 2023 Race Results
Result | Horse | Margin |
1st | 8 Uncommon James | |
2nd | 10 Lofty Strike | 0.75 length |
3rd | 9 Asfoora | 0.95 length |
4th | 5 King Of Sparta | 1.05 lengths |
The track was rated as Good 3.
Scratchings: 2. Lombardo, 18e. Oxley Road, 19e. Triple Missile, 20e. Bless Her.