The Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) looks to be the widest race on this Caulfield card. Join us before the race start time of 5:15pm AEDT for commentary.
What a field we have assembled for this race – whoever wins will have well and truly earned their status as a Group 1 winner.
Nostradamus has some good form around Brazen Beau last preparation, then beat Washington Heights fresh last start and is carrying the bottom weight in this one. Great record over the distance and is unbeaten first-up, I’m rating him a big chance at $11.
Earthquake comes into this off two good trial wins at Cranbourne, is unbeaten at the track and gets a lovely weight advantage with just 50.5kgs. There are plenty of question marks over him but he is a big chance and is rightly the favourite at $4.80.
Under the Louvre loves this track, with two wins and a second from three starts. The first-up record is good with three wins from four starts, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was around the finish. At $18 there is some good value there.
Flamberge finished second behind Chataqua which is a great tune-up for this race. Gets 2kgs of weight relief from that race however the second-up factor could be a killer, with just one win and no placings in five attempts. $12 about him might tickle your fancy, but he is giving some weight to the others.
Of the rest of the chances Vain Queen was superb winning the Mumm on Oaks Day, and first-up has two wins from three starts. Shamal Wind will have close to a month between starts but was good against Vatican winning by just over two lengths.
Fast ‘n’ Rocking with the dangerous Michael Walker on board and could strike value at $21 as well.
Brent Ford selections
1. Nostradamus
2. Earthquake
3. Under The Louvre
4. Flamberge
Adam Page selections
1. Vain Queen
2. Earthquake
3. Shamal Wind
4. A Time for Julia
Cam Rose selections
1. Fast ‘N’ Rocking
2. Earthquake
3. Flamberge
4. Bel Sprinter
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Well it was Vain Queen who flashed home for fourth and It is Written missed out completely! But it gave some real cheek. Geeze this straight has been a nightmare for leaders late.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Around the turn it's I'm All the Talk from Earthquake, he is giving then a blousing. Shamal Wind coming and he wins from Under The Louvre who has come from nowhere! Then I think Fast N Rocking for third. What a breath taker!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
All loaded and we are away! I'm all The Talk away brilliantly Earthquake second.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Fast N Rocking official market mover.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Runners moving into the barriers.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Fast N Rocking come into $18's.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
It Is Written $41 into $21 a sizeable bet I'd say!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I'm intrigued to see how Under the Louvre goes here.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Atmospherical sitting pretty in the market at $8 no love from the Roarers though :)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Not long from a start as the runners head to the barriers.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
For the record I'm putting Fast N Rocking in as my fourth pick for the scratched Flamberge.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
You need Mourinho for the first leg of your quaddie. Fast 'N' Rocking is still awesome value at $21.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Eloping and Flamberge the scratchings in this race.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Interesting Lord of the Sky is $9.50, I like Nostradamus at $12's, let down a few people previously though.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Earthquake a $5 favourite and there are many good things going his way. Vain Queen was terrific last prep and is $6.50 which is awesome value.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Well what a day we've had so far. Protectionist was just rolled in the last and got going once they were past the post! I'm not sure if foxing for the Australian Cup or whether the Sydney Cup will become the main objective. The Oakleigh Plate looks the big race of today!