Some facts about the Group One $550,000 AJC Australian Oaks (2400m) to be run at Randwick on Saturday.
* Classic race for three-year-old fillies at set weights.
* First run in 1922 when won by Vodka.
* From 1922-45 run in January over a mile (1600m).
* From 1946-55 run at Easter over 10 furlongs (2000m).
* Up until 1956 known as the Adrian Knox Stakes
* Won by some outstanding fillies including: Flight (1944), Evening Peal (1956), Wenona Girl (1961), Light Fingers (1965), Lowland (1968), Analie (1973), Leilani (1974), Surround (1977), Bounding Away (1987), Research (1989), Triscay (1991), Danendri (1997), Grand Archway (1999), Republic Lass (2002), Sunday Joy (2003) and Serenade Rose (2006).
* Only five favourites have been successful in the last 20 years: Serenade Rose (2006), Wild Iris (2004), Grand Archway (1999), Danendri (1997), Triscay (1991).
* Trainers with runners this year who have won the race before: Lee Freedman – Becerra (Serenade Rose 2006); Gary Portelli – Rose Of Peace (Rena’s Lady 2007); Anthony Cummings – Bride Salama (On Air 1998); Guy Walter – Avarelli (Wild Iris 2004, Republic Lass 2002); Grahame Begg – Dreamworker (Mahaya 1993). Graeme Rogerson won with Grand Archway in 1999 and now trains in partnership with his wife Debbie. They will be represented by Dating on Saturday.
* Jockeys who have won the race and have a ride this year: Glen Boss – Shamrocker (Serenade Rose 2006, Republic Lass 2002, Danendri 1997); Corey Brown – Mirjulisa Lass (Dizelle 2005); Hugh Bowman – Dating (Daffodil 2009); Nash Rawiller – Iron Lace (Once Were Wild 2010); Michael Rodd – Rose Of Peace (Rena’s Lady 2007).
AAP TURF
