Several of the leading chances in the VRC Oaks market compete here as their final hit-out before the Group 1 race on Thursday. It is always a good guide to the Oaks with two of the past three winners of this race, going on to claim Thursday’s event.
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1. DEAR DEMI – J Cassidy (7)
Her trainer, Clarry Connors, has the daughter of Dehere ticking over in very good style. She won the G2 Furious Stakes second up before settling too close and missing a place (finished fourth) in the Tea Rose however, her last two starts indicated she’s a leading chance here. A fourth to Norzita was followed at her last start by a closing second to Commanding Jewel in the 1000 Guineas.
Odds: $3.00
2. RED HOT MAMA – D Oliver (9)
Her only win from her seven starts, was on debut as a 2yo in the Listed Chairman’s Stakes. She’s had four starts this prep with the most recent starts being in the G2 Stan Fox Stakes, where she had little luck behind Kabayan and got a long way back from her wide draw in the 1000 Guineas and didn’t figure. Dam never raced beyond 1400m.
Odds: $26.00
3. DONNA CATTIVA – B Melham (6)
Filly by Captain Rio (same sire as 2010 Oaks winner, Brazilian Pulse) who showed promise last prep, including a win in the Listed Oaklands Plate (1600m) in Adelaide and, a second in the Carmichael Stakes, here at Flemington. Her three starts this time in however, haven’t been up to that standard and last week at the Valley, she was seventh (beaten 4.8) in the Fillies Classic. Would have show improvement.
Odds: $26.00
4. ZYDECO – K McEvoy (10)
Zabeel mare out of 1000 Guineas winner, All Time High who is the current favourite for not only this race at $2.80 but also the ruling favourite for Thursday’s Oaks at $2.70. She earned favouritism courtesy of her good efforts in the G2 Edward Manifold Stakes and last start, in the 1000 Guineas. On each occasion she closed very well suggesting, as does her breeding, that the 2000m will be right up her alley.
Odds: $2.80
5. TRANSONIC – M Zahra (12)
She broke her maiden status three starts back, at her ninth career start but backed that up immediately with a RST 68 win at Mornington and last start, stuck on soundly in the Listed Ethereal Stakes behind Alzora and Summerbliss. Likes to race handy so may have to do a little work early from her wide gate.
Odds: $26.00
6. MARAATIB – M Walker (3)
Redoute’s Choice filly who, from nine starts to date, is yet to register a win. On the positive side, she has been placed on six occasions including a third two starts back behind Electric Fusion, who subsequently ran well in the Norman Robinson Stakes. Drawn to be handy but is eligible for easier races than this.
Odds: $41.00
7. TYANNA – M Rodd (4)
Filly by Fastnet Rock whose Dam, Lacey Underall, won the 2008 Adelaide Cup so there should be no questions about her getting the distance if her breeding is any guide. She’s an improving type and led at her most recent start to record a comfortably 2 ½ length win in a RST 62 event at Bendigo. This is a big step up but she’ll enjoy the trip and run from her good draw.
Odds: $6.50
8. KATE – J McDonald (8)
She had won two of her six starts in New Zealand before crossing the Tasman to compete in the G2 Edward Manifold Stakes, where she finished tenth behind Maybe Discreet. Her latest start, she jumped to the front but faded noticeably in the run home in the Listed Ethereal Stakes behind Alzora. Both her wins in NZ were on Slow ground and she’d need those conditions to have a chance here.
Odds: $31.00
9. MADAM ARCHER – R Maloney (1)
Red Dazzler filly from the Robbie Griffith stable who won a Wangaratta Maiden two starts back in good style but noticed the significant step up in grade at her following start in the Listed Ethereal Stakes and finished seventh. Would need to improve a number of lengths on that run to be considered a chance here.
Odds: $81.00
10. LA ZUMA – C Brown (2)
A Zabeel filly who won on debut on a Slow track at Ballarat but in her two runs since, in a Caulfield Open and the G1 1000 Guineas, she’s been well accounted for. Can’t include her.
Odds: $21.00
11. ZUCCOTTA – J Bowman (5)
She has been brought only very slowly by her trainer Guy Walter, competing in a Goulburn Maiden, a Canberra BM 55 (which she won) and her last start at Mornington in a RST 68 where she finished behind Transonic. Will be better suited to Flemington and has been kept safe in the market at $11.00
Odds: $12.00
12. TEN BLACK – L Nolen (11)
Trained by Matthew Hyland. She’ll get a long back, as she has done in each of her three runs this time in but find it hard to see her running down some quality fillies in this race.
Odds: $31.00
SUMMARY
Zydeco get to the distance she’s been yearning for her and the Flemington track, will also suite. Given that she’s $2.80 for the Oaks, the current price available appeals. It may be worth taking a bit of the Oaks price too prior to this race. Her biggest dangers appear to be Dear Demi – class filly and Tyanna, who looks a dead-set staying type.
