Oaklands Plate to continue stables bullish trend

The David Peacock Oaklands Plate has unearthed several subsequent Group 1 winners in recent years and Tommy Stokes is bullish the trend can continue with his stable’s emerging colt Matahga.

The son of Tivaci lines up as the favourite in Saturday’s Listed feature at Morphettville Parks after a brilliant win over 1200m at Thomas Farms Racecourse Murray Bridge earlier in the month.

Stokes, who operates the table’s Adelaide base on behalf of his father Phillip Stokes, said the two-year-old has improved since his most recent run and will relish the step to 1400m.

Stokes won the race in 2024 with this season’s SA Derby winner Femminile, while Coco Sun completed the same feat after winning the 2023 Oaklands Plate.

“We’ve got a lot of time for him,” Stokes said.

“He was super in both of his two runs this time in and I think he’s improved again.

“1400m is definitely going to be a big plus so he’s a horse to follow.

“He might be a horse that ends up at our Pakenham base after this.”

Stokes will also saddle up maiden filly Kazaru in the race, while Victorian visitors Ethereum Girl, Miss Ellaneous and Testing One Two are all in the market.

Matahga is rated the $2.90 favourite across markets with Ethereum Girl on the second line of betting at $3.90 with Miss Ellaneous at $4.50.