VRC Oaks – 2023

Track: Good Weather: Fine

Fourteen fillies are set to line up in the time honored Group 1 VRC Crown Oaks.  Six had their last start in the Wakeful Stakes on Saturday, the race that has produced seven of the last eleven Oaks winners.  Four others ran in the the Ethereal Stakes which is the other traditional lead up – it was run on Caulfield Cup Day.  Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott saddle up multiple runners.

The current favourite is Zardozi.  She was an eye catching second in the Wakeful and will be ridden by James McDonald.  Tropical Squall is next in the betting.  She won the Group 1 Flight Stakes two starts ago and was best placed in second of those coming via the Ethereal.  Aethelflaed, Basilinna and Amazonian Lass are the other horses under $10-1.

1. Tropical Squall

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott runner who won the Flight Stakes, then was second in the Ethereal.  Just needs to stay to be right in this.

2. Zardozi

Cummings and McDonald combination.  Drawn well.  Was a good winner of the Manifold here two back, then steamed home to just miss here in the Wakeful on Saturday.  That looks very solid form.

3. Amazonian Lass

Won the Wakeful here on Saturday thanks to a great front running ride from Tim Clark.  Will be up on speed making her own luck again here.

4. Served Cold

Won a very weak edition of the Geelong Classic last start.  Not sure that’s the right lead up but does keep Shinn.

5. Harlow Mist

Won the Oaks Trial here three back and wasn’t beaten far in the Wakeful last Saturday.  In the mix.

6. Coco Sun

Daughter of the Autumn Sun trained by the McEvoys.  Her best races have been at Flemington and she maps for the right run for Damian Lane.

7. Basilinna

Progressive mare still in her first preparation.  Loved her run last start in the Ethereal.  Think she is one that can settle much closer in the run from the good draw here.  Solid each way chance to give Oli his fairytale Oaks finish.

8. Aethelflaed

Another of these in their first preparation.  Won a decent class one at Kembla on October 21.  Was money around for her in the Wakeful off the back of that.  She got back and worked to the line very solidly for fourth no doubt with this race in mind..  Now gets the Melbourne Cup winning jock on.  Chance.

9. Wings Of Song  – SCRATCHED

10. Ethel Maude

Was fifth in the Manifold two back, then walked in in a solid Pakenham maiden last time out.  Pat Carey has a knack with these staying three year olds.

11. Peaky Ridge

Was well backed to break her maiden at Warrnambool last start.  Wouldn’t be surprised to see her run a sneaky race at big odds.

12. Vieste

Not here.

13. Another You

Thought her run in the Ethereal was quite good.  Gets Jamie Kah.  One at big odds who could run into the first four.

14. Everlasting Kiss

Can’t recommend off last start.

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

Lewis Oliver’s Tips	Jo Jackson’s Tips
7 Basilinna	1 Tropical Squall
2 Zardozi	2 Zardozi
8 Aethelflaed	8 Aethelflaed
6 Coco Sun	3 Amazonian Lass

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	2  Zardozi
2nd	8 Aethelflaed	2.25 lengths
3rd	7 Basilinna	6.5 lengths
4th	3 Amazonian Lass	8.75 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4

Scratchings: 9. Wings Of Song, 12. Vieste.