Queensland Oaks

The winter carnival continues in Queensland with the Oaks up this week at Eagle Farm. Another large field is set with plenty of chances. Let’s try and find the winner.

Speed Map

Very tricky. Will probably be a very tightly bunched field. Barb Raider and Nyota will be somewhere near the front. Track pattern will determine how aggressive the widely drawn runners will push to the front. The current favourite Gypsy Goddess could do anything but probably goes back to and has last crack at them

Key Runners

1:Barb Raider

Is going to be the one they all need to run down and that means she’s a big chance. Is the extra step up in distance a vulnerability? Possibly, but you’d trust Craig Williams to nurse her through it. Don’t lose if she wins.

2:Gypsy Goddess

Deserving current favourite. The map has to be an issue if she goes back but Pike doesn’t need any instructions here on how to win a race. Have to respect the trainer as well. $4.20 seems short though in a scenario where so much can go wrong. Would prefer $5.50 or above.

3:Glint of Hope

Another one where the map plus trip could be an issue but at $14 you’re getting a good price to find out if she’s good enough to win it. Beat a few handy horses in SA last start and with a close enough spot in the run, will give a big shout.

11:Belle Savoir

Two wins and two 2nd’s in five starts reads pretty good for this and has ripped home with good sectionals all prep. Barrier has meant it’s drifted slightly in the last day or so. Monitor the betting.

12:Aravene

Back to back wins is good form for this but the affected track wins back to what will be a Good surface is a slight query. Barrier 5 could mean back and buried on the turn with no luck. With so many other chances, was happy to risk Aravene at anything under $8.