Ladies Day at Flemington see the 1 million Group 1 Crown Oaks over the staying test of 2500m. Join us here on The Roar for a live blog and reaction from 4:40pm AEDT.
11 high quality fillies will compete in the race after Dawnie Perfect was scratched from the original field of 12.
These fillies will be looking to join the likes of Kirramosa, Dear Demi and Miss Finland as fillies to have won the race.
With storms and rain falling on the much maligned Flemington surface, the betting picture is muddied – just like the track, now a soft 6.
Five classy fillies are in single figures, with the markets tracking Pasadena Girl, Jameka, Sacred Eye, Ambience and Honesta.
Zarabeel and Dulverton shape the next line of betting, while Muzyka and Ritzy are outside hopes, with The Grey Flash and Princess Aria given next to no chance. Those two can be found at $101 in some markets – just like the famous win of Prince of Penzance in the Melbourne Cup.
The track bias seems to have dissipated somewhat which means there’s less of an autobahn up the inside but runners will still want to be closer to the rail than out.
Splitting the top five is the job for mine as the distance of 2500m makes for a true staying test. Ambience won the 2000m Wakeful which most of these ran in, while Jameka won the 2040m Moonee Valley Vase which accounts for a number of others.
Figuring out which race was stronger, and which horses will suit the softer track, is the job for the pundits.
The Roar’s Cam Rose has a great full Oaks preview where he’s tipped the following:
Cam Rose selections:
1. Ambience
2. Jameka
3. Sacred Eye
4. Zarabeel
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Well, the market was right as it is so often with a big drift on Sacred Eye. It wasn't near them at the finish but she's a good horse and will fight out shorter trips. It's an interesting result, Oli very confident on Jameka but her pedigree doesn't say anything about staying. She'll be interesting to see when she comes back in Autumn.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
TAB (NSW) figures: 1st 2. JAMEKA $4.60 / $1.90 2nd 5. HONESTA $2.70 3rd 4. AMBIENCE $1.50 4th 1. PASADENA GIRL Quinella $24.10 Exacta $40.30 Duet $6.70 Duet $4.00 Duet $6.20 Trifecta $136.60 First Four $540.10
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Oliver says he didn't hesitate to take the lead, and knew she was going very easily a long way from home. He went for her early and had no qualms in doing so. Great win.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Crown Oaks results: 1. Jameka 2. Honesta 3. Ambience 4. Pasadena Girl. Muzyka a long last.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Good finish here - Oliver went for Jameka. He's in front 300m to go, Ambience in score. Honesta coming down the inside, Jameka too good - won it by two lengths! Another Group 1 for Oliver!
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Sacred Eye has been wide the whole way but looked comfortable. Here comes the pace!
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Slow tempo - this gives everything a decent chance!
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Woeful camera work/production there for a second Channel Seven.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Muzyka overracing to take the lead. Has to settle else it won't get 2500m.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Away! Zarabeel missed the start. Jameka crosses to lead as they leave the straight. Moderate tempo.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
All in and we're set
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Heavy 9 surface.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Ambience the clear favourite before the race, just ahead of Pasadena Girl. Francesca Cumani prefers Jameka here after initially tipping Sacred Eye.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Behind the barriers now. The fillies look nice and settled so far.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Watching for a lead will be interesting - any one of Ritzy, Ambience or Jameka could lead. Will there be much pace or a sit/sprint like the Cup?
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Zarabeel and Rtizy have come in a bit at odds, but no huge go.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
I'm expecting exotics to pay well, and Cam Rose has included Zarabeel in what would be a big first four if it manage to run top 4.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
5. Honesta - daughter of a Derby winner. She beat Ambience at Caulfield, missed out in a Group 1 - she's number five and fifth in the betting - not many have her on top.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
Ambience is the one they're supporting, approaching $4 just 10 minutes out.
Tristan Rayner
Editor
4. Ambience - brilliant win the Wakeful, usually the best lead-up race for this. She'll be there in the finish if she has the pedigree to stay.