Thirteen three-year-old fillies will step out in Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) and it is shaping as a particularly lucrative betting race from a betting perspective. Hiyaam surprised at odds to win the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) a fortnight ago and unsurprisingly, she has received the most attention in our Australian Oaks betting market and has firmed $6.50 into $5. Hiyaam stamped herself as a filly to follow through a strong and consistent Spring Carnival campaign, highlighted by placings in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m), Group 3 Ethereal Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m). Resuming this time for third amongst classy company in the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m), the High Chaparral filly took up the running in the Vinery a fortnight ago and never appeared in doubt; running away from her rivals to score the two-length victory. A step up to a mile and a half will be ideal for the filly and she can find a forward position from the rails draw. Unforgotten is yet to receive any interest in Australian Oaks betting and has drifted, but she remains the sole occupant of the top line at $3.90. Unforgotten has posted four wins and two minors through her eight career starts to date and has continued to improve through her three starts this time in. Clearly requiring the run and more distance when she failed to beat a runner home in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) first-up on March 3rd, the daughter of Fastnet Rock returned to winning form in the Phar Lap Stakes before running on for second in the Vinery last time out. Hugh Bowman will be in the saddle again and Unforgotten should be able to find a good position in transit tucked in behind the pace, before producing her turn of foot late. Luvaluva ($5) lugged 60kgs to a smart win in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) last weekend and will appreciate a drop in 4kgs this weekend. The daughter of Mastercraftsman won the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) and finished fourth in the Crown Oaks in spring, and hit the line well for sixth when she resumed in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) this time. Having returned to winning form in the Group 3 Kembla Classic (1600m) in what was her only other start prior to the Adrian Knox Stakes, jockey Kerrin McEvoy will take the filly back from her wide draw and will spot her rivals a lead, before asking for an extra effort. Group 1 winner Aloisia ($6.50) enjoyed stepping out to 2000m when third in the Vinery a fortnight ago and she is justifiably prominent in Oaks betting, while Savvy Coup ($7.50) is the only other horse currently available at Australian Oaks odds of less-than $10. Kiwi raiders Danzdanzdance ($15), Contessa Vanessa ($17) and She’s A Treasure ($31) will relish the conditions of the race and are worth consideration at long Australian Oaks odds.
There's been plenty of interest in Hiyaam in Australian Oaks betting. Photo: Steve Hart