Randwick Racing Australian Oaks 2018 Preview

The staying girls line up here for their penultimate event, in a race that appears to lack speed. Suspect Hiyaam takes it up and cannot see much pressure coming from elsewhere. As expected for this high profile classic, there is quality across the board and with any tempo present, the race is wide open.

 

  Race Track Traits

Randwick is currently rated a Good 4 with the rail out 3m the entire circuit and fine conditions predicted for the day. The racing surface looked to be playing fairly on Day 1 of The Championships last Saturday, with runners coming from both on and off the speed to win, and from most lanes across the track. Suspect we can default to a fair surface again for Day 2 this week, with similar conditions expected.

 

 Market Movers

Huge push for Hiyaam in early markets who opened at $7 before being crunched into $4.80. As a result this has seen small drifts for Unforgotten $3.50 out to $4.00 and Luvaluva $4.60 out to $5.00.

 

 Key Runners

#1 Aloisia $6

Had no luck in the Vinery Stud Stakes last start where she ran third to Hiyaam. That run did indicate she is on track for this, however suspect the quality shown last campaign is not there this time in, and a few of these will have her measure.

 

#2 Hiyaam $7 > $4.80

High class Mick Price filly who the stable have had a huge opinion of all throughout this preparation. Controlled it from in front last start and kept on going strongly to the line. No reason why she can't repeat that here, in a race which lacks genuine speed. She will control the tempo again and should prove too hard to run down.

 

#3 Unforgotten $3.50 > $4.00

Has had the flashing light on her past two starts where she ran exceptionally in both. Last start got well back and had to come wide when chasing Hiyaam, before that came with a withering burst to run over the top of them in the Phar Lap Stakes. Like most here, there is a query over whether she will run the 2400m right out, however suspect she will.

 

#4 Savvy Coup $7.50

Kiwi raider who won the NZ Oaks last start where she looked strong over the concluding stages. Having already proven herself, she'll have no problem running this trip right out and that will have her beating many of these. One of the leading chances.

 

 

#5 Luvaluva $4.60 > $5

On the quick back-up from last week where she powered home to win the Adrian Knox over 2000m. That sets her up perfectly for this week and it appears she will just eat up the extra 400m. Slight concern she may get too far back off a slow speed and have no chance to run on, however happy to take the gamble that there will be tempo in the race. A great chance.

  

Of The Others….

Chilly Cha Cha kept on coming behind Luvaluva last week to run third in the Adrian Knox. Looks like another that will enjoy the extra journey, with the current $34 looking well over the odds. Each way special.

 

  Selections

1^st Hiyaam 

2^nd Luvaluva   

3^rd Chilly Cha Cha

4^th Savy Coup