VRC Crown Oaks – 2022

Track: Soft Weather: Overcast

Eleven fillies have accepted for the $1,000,000 time honoured VRC Crown Oaks.  Five had their lead up run in the Wakeful Stakes last Saturday, two ran in the Geelong Classic and two others ran in the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.  One of those runners was She’s Extreme and she is a clear favourite in the betting.  She has drawn barrier one with Tommy Berry to steer.

The Wakeful winner Zennzella for the Melbourne Cup winning trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace is the current second pick in the market.  Queen Air and Renaissance Woman are on the next line of betting.

1. She’s Extreme

Quality filly trained by Anthony Cummings.  Won the Champagne Stakes as a two year old.  Finished second in the Group 1 Flight Stakes two starts ago, then didn’t have the best of luck when not beaten far in the Group 1 Spring Champion last start.  Clearly deserves to be favourite on exposed form, however there are two slight queries – the inside gate (is that going to be the best ground) and also the synthetic hoof filler going on for the first time.

2. Zennzella

Was eased down winning a maiden at Pakenham two starts ago, then won the Wakeful last Saturday.  Kept going there after riding a hot speed.  Impressive.  If that hasn’t taken too much out of her she is a huge chance again here.  Distance doesn’t look to be a worry.

3. Renaissance Woman

Stormed home to win the Ethereal at Caulfield two back, then kept coming in the Spring Champion.  Manzoice who subsequently won the VRC Derby finished behind her there.  Should go close here.

4. Pavitra

One of the speed influences in the race.  Was third in the Ethereal, then second int he Wakeful but is getting very deep into her prep now.  Place chance at best for mine.

5. Foxy Cleopatra

Lightly raced filly who made her run with Renaissance Woman in the Ethereal.  Drawn to do similar again here and has Blake Shinn who is flying.  Each way contender.

6. Let’sbefrankbaby

Worked home quite solidly from the back of the field in the Wakeful.  Think she will be much closer in the run here from barrier 3.  Don’t discount her at odds.

7. As Time Goes By

Blinkers come off after finishing third in the Wakeful.  Sp’d $4.60 there from barrier 1.  Think barrier 5 suits much better for her here as she won’t have to be dictated too.  Set for this.  Chance.

8. Queen Air

Loved her run in the Wakeful.  Got back, was held up and hit the line hard.  Could make a good argument that she should of been right in the finish.  Won’t surprise to see her go close here!

9. Sirius Princess

One of two runners to come via the Geelong Classic.  Barrier looks tricky for her.

10. Makrana

Blinkers go on after finishing ninth in the Wakeful.  I’d be surprised if she was featuring here.

11. Albanian Icon

Started $151 in the Geelong Classic.  This looks a huge throw at the stumps!

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

Lewis’ Tips	Jo’s Tips
3 Renaissance Woman	2 Zennzella
2 Zennzella	1 She’s Extreme
8 Queen Air	4 Pavitra
1 She’s Extreme	8 Queen Air