The curtain raiser to the Doncaster Handicap is the Australian Oaks, where a field of eleven 3yo fillies line up. New Zealand galloper Habibi ($2.80) holds favouritism after her good effort behind Norzita and Longport ($7.00) last start in the G1 Vinery Stakes 2000m.
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1. DEAR DEMI – J Cassidy (6)
Winner of the VRC Oaks in the Spring who returned with a pleasing effort it the G2 Light Fingers Stakes when third behind Bennetta before claiming the G2 Surround Stakes (1400m) at her next start. She got a long way back and never threatened in the G1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) behind Appearance before drawing poorly in the G1 Vinery Stakes, where she again raced at the tail of the field before finishing fifth (beaten 6 lengths) behind Norzita. Last two runs have been just fair and would’ve liked to have seen more from her but, she does have the runs on the board and drawn to be handier today.
Odds: $5.40
2. HABIBI – V Colgan (2)
New Zealand filly who brought with her an impressive record of six wins from her seven starts including the G1 NZ Derby (2400m, when lining up in the G1 Vinery Stakes (2000m) on Golden Slipper Day. That was her first run in a month and she did well to finish three lengths third, behind Norzita and Longport. Prior the race, he trainer stated that she’ll need the run so expecting her to have come on nicely with that run under her belt and will be hard to beat.
Odds: $3.30
3. LONGPORT – C Reith (7)
It would be ironic that possibly the last feature win for the soon to be wound up Patinack operation, would be the Patinack Australian Oaks. She was disappointing in the G3 Keith Nolen Classic two starts back where, as 5/2 favourite, she finished twelfth of sixteen before bouncing back with a strong on pace effort in the G1 Vinery Stakes last start, forcing Norzita to dig deep over the final stages and finishing a long neck second. Likes to roll along and if allowed to dictate, will give them something to chase.
Odds: $9.25
4. ROYAL DESCENT – N Rawiller (9)
Well bred filly who improves with each start. She held her own when finishing fourth in the G2 Surround Stakes three starts back before appreciating the step up in journey at her next two starts, where she has finished a close second in the G3 Keith Nolen (1400m) at Kembla before getting a sweet run throughout and proving too strong for her competitors with a strong 2 ½ length win in last week’s Adrian Knox Stakes. Drawn a little awkwardly today but if Nash can find a spot, she gives every indication that she’ll run a strong 2400m.
Odds: $8.50
5. MORE THAN SACRED – L Innes (2)
Another Kiwi galloper by More Than Ready who has came into her won now that her races are over a journey and has won the G3 Sunline Vase (2100m) and G1 NZ Oaks (2400m) at her last two starts. That form, coupled with her good draw, is enough to give her consideration here and she has been kept save in the betting market at $11.00.
Odds: $19.00
6. CAMEO – SCRATCHED
7. SUMMERBLISS – J Bowman (8)
Victorian filly from Mick Kent stables who was good two starts back, when fourth behind You’re So Good in the Listed Alexandra Stakes (1600m) before coming to NSW to contest the G1 Vinery Stakes. You’re So Good proved to be her nemesis again but this time, by carrying her off the track as they rounded the turn and putting an end to any chance Summerbliss had of finishing better than her seventh (beaten 7.1 lengths). Forget that run and she did run third to Dear Demi in the VRC Oaks at only third race start last Spring.
Odds: $11.50
8. GONDOKORO – R McLeod
She broke through for her maiden win two starts back, at start number nine, when claiming a Moonee Valley maiden (1600m). Went from that, straight into the G1 Vinery Stakes and finished a credible fourth (beaten 5.9 lengths) behind Norzita. Trainer Pat Cary won the ATC Derby last year with lightly raced colt Ethiopia who was a Maiden at the time, can he do something similar here with this Zabeel filly?
Odds: $26.00
9. WIND BENDER – T Berry (4)
Bred to get the distance, her dam Dowry won the SA Oaks but the Redoute’s Choice filly has only batted home in recent starts. She finished seventh (beaten 3.6 lengths) in a Restricted race at Randwick (1800m) two starts back before finishing 6.4 lengths behind Royal Descent in the Adrian Knox Stakes last week. Find it hard to see her turning the tables on that horse here.
Odds: $34.00
10. SHE’S A GIRL – N Berry (1)
Broke her maiden status with a win in a Wyong Class 1 race three starts back – at start number nine – but has been well accounted for when having a crack at better races at her three subsequent starts. Her latest effort was a third to last in the G1 Vinery Stakes (2000m) which followed a fifth (beaten 2 ½ lenghts) in the G3 Keith Nolan (1600m). She’ll roll forward but find this class too deep.
Odds: $251.00
11. ZUCCOTTO – B Shinn (10)
Trainer Guy Walter and jockey Blake Shinn have combined with success on a few occasions over this Carnvial (Skyerush, Toydini, Appearance) but even in that kind of form, they’ll find it hard to get this daughter of Quest For Fame across the line. She only has one win from eleven starts to her name and was well accounted for last start at Canberra in a BM60 race.
Odds: $81.00
OVERVIEW
Her record and last start effort, means that Habibi is the deserved favourite for this race and the one to beat. Not sure about Dear Demi – especially at $5.00. It wouldn’t surprise me to see her bounce back but not sure I’m prepared to take that price to find out. My next two will be Royal Descent ($5.00) – improving with every run and should relish the trip and Summerbliss ($13.00) – had genuine excuse last start and is a better horse than that
