2023 Australian Oaks preview & best bets | Saturday, April 8

The Australian Oaks is the first of four Group 1 races on Day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick this Saturday. There’s a $1 million prize packet up for grabs as we see a strong field of 15 three-year-old fillies set to line up for the 2400m journey.

Most of the runners engaged on Saturday come from the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes, where New Zealand galloper Prowess toyed with her opposition. Pavitra is one of those seeking redemption, as will six others making their way to the Australian Oaks. The field has also attracted the attention of New Zealand Oaks winner Pennyweka, who was impressive and brings some unique form into the fold.

2023 AUSTRALIAN OAKS ODDS

The runner-up in the Vinery Stud Stakes, Pavitra ($3.60), has opened a clear favourite with online betting sites for the Australian Oaks; however, Pennyweka ($5) isn’t far behind on the second line of betting. Last weekend’s Adrian Knox Stakes winner, Arts ($7.50), has seen some early money after proving she can perform on the Heavy going, while other eye-catching runners from the Vinery Stud Stakes in Fireburn ($8.50) and Polygon ($9.50) round out the single-digit fillies. Pierossa ($10) and Premise ($16) appear the best of the chances at double-figure odds.

2023 AUSTRALIAN OAKS SPEED MAP

The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained filly Soul Choice (1) looks the obvious leader drawn the inside pole and took up those tactics in the Vinery Stud Stakes. Pavitra (2) will be right in the mix as well pressing forward, and you’d imagine a couple of bolters in the form of Mountain Guest (9) and Byron Belle (8) will be prominent throughout. Fireburn (4) and Polygon (5) can be ridden more positively in the mid-field position, while Pierossa (7), Arts (10) and So Dazzling (15) will be in the back half of the field when they straighten.

Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 Australian Oaks.

2023 AUSTRALIAN OAKS FORM & BETTING PREVIEW

We’re trusting the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes form heading into Saturday; however, it comes at the expense of the favourite. Fireburn is going to revel in the conditions this weekend and if we get a surface anything on the wetter side of a Soft 7, she can be considered a massive price currently. She was huge last time out when stealing rails runs behind Prowess to finish third and that came after bombing the start completely. It’s hard to believe we’re backing a Golden Slipper a winner from 12 months ago, this time over the 2400m, but the Gary Portelli yard seem to have her primed and ready to power of the top of her rivals on Saturday. It’s the first time this daughter of Rebel Dane has seen the trip, so she’s a query in that regard, but that should be off set by the first wet track she’s seen this preparation.

We can’t split Polygon and Pierossa from the same race and we’re happy to share an equal stake on these two fillies. Both were credible efforts running seventh and fourth respectively in the Vinery Stud Stakes and we think the staying trip of 2400m looks ideal based on how they finished off. Polygon tracked between gallopers, while Pierossa swung the widest turning for home. It saw them crossing the line with a nose between the pair and the way they finished off has us thinking it was a perfect prep run for this grand final.

Pavitra deserves favouritism and plenty of respect; however, her wet form leaves a bit to be desired. The stable have admitted in the past that she’s not as effective on slower going and with the likelihood of Randwick being in the Soft range, she’s dropped into fourth position for us.

Pennyweka is a clear best of the rest, but we’re concerned this race was a bit of an after thought once taking out the New Zealand Oaks. She’ll love the conditions on Saturday, but with an awkward draw to overcome as well, she just misses the number.

2023 SYDNEY CUP SELECTIONS & BEST BETS

• 3

  FIREBURN

• 4

  POLYGON

• 6

  PIEROSSA

• 2

  PAVITRA

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