The racing spotlight shifts to Adelaide this week for the running of the Group 1 Australasian Oaks. With Ciaron Maher and David Eustace leading the charge with three key runners, can anyone stop the silverware from heading interstate?
#6 Long Arm
Long Arm was too strong for his opposition last start over this journey. He is rock-hard fit, and I expect a peak performance for the campaign on Saturday. The Rock Of Gibraltar gelding is drawn ideally in a middle gate, and with even luck in transit, he can win again. His record at the track must be respected, and the Peter Gelagotis factor will attract market support.
Clever Man is on fire! The Dundeel Gelding has put three impressive victories together, and he can continue on his winning ways if he doesn’t get too far out of his ground during the middle stages. The class rise is the primary concern.
Horrifying can win despite drawing the carpark. He meets easier opposition here and will appreciate the dry track conditions. The Kavanagh stable is firing on all cylinders, and it may pay dividends to watch for any significant market moves.
Suggested Bet: Long Arm @ $4.80
Morphettville Race 8
#3 Loco
Loco looks very promising. The So You Think gelding has been impressive at the mile, and the step out to 2000m looks ideal at this stage of his preparation. His form around Gringotts reads extremely well for this event, and he looks one of the better bets on a strong program of racing.
Suizuro looks well placed here after being Group 1 competitive during The Championships. The drop back to 2000m could prove a winning move, and the Real Impact gelding should get the run of the race from barrier one. His career record must be respected, and he has been well backed since markets opened. The length of his campaign is the primary concern.
Thirsty Guest produced an eye-catching run at his latest outing in the Port Adelaide Guineas. The 2000m will suit, and if he his presented at the right time, he can figure in the shadows. The wide barrier is the biggest obstacle.
Suggested Bet: Loco @ $2.70
Morphettville Race 9
#3 Jennilala
Jennilala was brilliant in the Auraria Stakes last start. The Shalaa filly flew from the clouds and got the job done for the punters. She looks ready for the 2000m and will have the ideal run in transit jumping from barrier two. If the gaps appear at the right time, I expect her to prove too decisive late.
She’s Fit will start favourite despite drawing off the track. The Pride Of Dubai filly, who already boasts a Western Australian Oaks victory, will eat up every inch of the ten-furlong event. Her debut campaign has been breathtaking, and she is already an owner’s dream. This race might be an afterthought.
Affaire A Suivre put her rivals to the sword a long way from home in the Port Adelaide Guineas. The Astern filly is ready for the step out in distance, and she can figure in the finish with the good run in transit. Jumping from barrier eighteen is the primary concern.
Suggested Bet: Jennilala @ $7.00
Morphettville Race 10
#6 Vivacious Award
Vivacious Award is knocking on the door! The Shamus Award mare is racing well without winning, and she gets her chance on Saturday, meeting easier opposition. From barrier four, she can camp just behind the leaders; if she sees daylight, her number will be in the winning frame. Her strike rate is the primary concern.
Lomax has been building towards peak performance. His three runs this preparation have been teasing, and I expect him to explode on Saturday. He will drift back from the wide gate, and if he can stay in touch with the leaders throughout, he can make his presence felt late.
Master At Arms can bounce back here after a disappointing performance. The Unusual Suspect gelding looks well placed at Benchmark 62 level, and he should get a friendly cart into the race from a middle gate. Unfortunately, he can snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Suggested Bet: Vivacious Award @ $10.00
