The verdict: The extra distance is always the query in the Oaks. But Treasurethe Moment was a comfortable winner in the Wakeful and that is always the best pointer. Wary of Sydney runner Harlem Queen, who brings a different form line.
Trainer Paul Preusker, pictured with jockey Jordan Childs, has some handy horses running on Oaks day.Credit: Getty Images
Best bet: Poison Chalice (Race nine, No.11) – An exciting Paul Preusker gelding on the way up. He probably would have won the Crystal Mile if not for bad luck. Drawn wide, but that is not a big concern as Damian Lane can go forward or sit back on this guy.
Next best: Treasurethe Moment (Race eight, No.1) – Trusting what we saw in the Wakeful Stakes. This filly looks exciting, and expecting her to frank that form.
Roughie: Torranzino (Race six, No.12) – In an open Country Final, this is another exciting Paul Preusker galloper who gets in with a nice weight (55kg) and has gun hoop James McDonald on board. A major factor is that most of the key chances have drawn wide.
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Oaks Day quaddie: 1st leg: 4, 5, 12, 14, 16. 2nd leg: 3, 11, 16, 17. 3rd leg: 1, 2, 3, 5. 4th leg: 11.
Tim Habel’s tips
Oaks: 1. Too Darn Discreet, 2. Powers Of Opal, 3. Treasurethe Moment, 4. Inevitable Truth
The verdict: Too Darn Discreet skipped the traditional Wakeful lead-up but her Ethereal win at 2000m was a sound Oaks trial. In a race where they are all on trial as stayers, barrier three is crucial for her on-pace racing style while the favourite Treasuredthe Moment has to negotiate a wide draw.
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Best bet: Oh Too Good (Race six, No.5) – Awkwardly drawn in this Country Cup Final, but she is a foolproof emerging galloper. Likely to push forward and race outside the leader or get cover. Looks a mare destined for group race wins.
Next best: Kallos (Race two, No.1) – Luckless at Caulfield when held up on the rails in the closing stages. Twice a track and distance winner and has “J Mac” aboard.
Roughie: Bulawayo (Race three, No.14) – Chased home favourite Alma Rise on unsuitable soft ground two starts back and meets that galloper on 4kg better terms. Ran on late dropping back to 1400m at Sale, extra distance suits and both wins have been on good tracks.
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