As a 2500-metre staying test for three-year-old fillies, the Group 1 VRC Oaks is one of the more unique major races and a big, traditional part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival at Flemington. Current prizemoney is $1 million.
VRC Oaks 2022: Pro punter preview
Track The rail goes out to 5 metres. It has raced okay this week and should be pretty fair again here. They’ll get away from the fence again as it wears and make their own running line.
Speed The speed is from Zennzella and Pavitra. She’s Extreme will sit handy from a good draw.
Runner-by-runner
Prices courtesy of TopSport at time of publication.
1 She’s Extreme [$2.20] is racing well in Sydney. She got too far back from the barrier in the Spring Champion, but finished well. She can settle handier from a better draw here. The horse to beat.
2 Zennzella [$5.50] comes through Saturday’s Wakeful Stakes, which is generally the best form for this race. That was a very fast-run race. They came home slow but she was able to hold on well.
8 Queen Air [$8.50] got back in the Wakeful and had an interrupted run, but hit the line well late. The recorded margin wasn’t fair. She can improve dramatically here and is a chance.
5 Foxy Cleopatra [$9.00] ran on from well back in the Ethereal Stakes. She’ll get back here but looks a staying type. She’s a chance but I have her double figure odds.
In terms of the VRC Oaks, Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have timed their run to perfection with Zennzella.@cmaherracing https://t.co/50mZvo6Uqh
— Racing.com (@Racing) October 29, 2022
4 Pavitra [$9.50] ran well in the Wakeful behind Zennzella. She’s one of the chances here.
3 Renaissance Woman [$10] ran well at Caulfield in the Ethereal then had not much luck in the Spring Champion. She looks a natural stayer and is one of the chances.
7 As Time Goes By [$17] hit the line nicely in the Wakeful and was strong late. She gets the blinkers off here which may help her settle better. Rough chance.
10 Makrana [$41] looks a natural staying type. She gets a long way back in the run. She gets the blinkers on here… she actually wouldn’t totally shock, but I’d want big odds to back her.
The others aren’t good enough to figure here: 6 Let’sbefrankbaby [$21], 9 Sirius Princess [$101], 11 Albanian Icon [$151].
Betting strategy
Top pick She’s Extreme
Best value bet Renaissance Woman
While I’d want $3.20+ to back her, She’s Extreme is certainly the one to beat for mine. Of the others in the market, I think the price about Renaissance Woman offers the best value.
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