The best three-year-old fillies in Australia will converge on regional Victoria this Saturday night for the running of the $100,000 Nevele R Stud Victoria Oaks.
With the Moonee Valley track under reconstruction, Shepparton has been chosen to host the prestigious Group 1 classic on their new state-of-the-art 1000-metre circuit.
Since its inception in 1952, the Oaks has been conducted outside Melbourne just once, that being at Ballarat in 1999 when Moonee Valley underwent its last facelift.
An imposing group of New South Wales raiders hold the key to the gruelling 2670-metre contest in what shapes as harness racing’s very own state-of-origin battle.
In stark contrast to last year’s Nevele R Stud Victoria Oaks where they failed to boast a representative, five NSW pacers will take to the track at Shepparton this weekend.
Headlining the interstate raid is reigning Australasian Breeders Crown champion Lady Waratah who has grabbed nominal favouritism after drawing to lead from gate three.
She’ll be ably supported by NSW Oaks runner-up Threepence, Nevele R Stud Victoria Oaks Prelude winner Vixen Hanover, the exciting Yokas and dual Group 1 placegetter Protikori, who boasts a win over Lady Waratah in her only appearance at Shepparton.
Reigning Victorian 2YO of the Year, the Rochester-trained Jadah Rose, will spearhead the local contingent as she strives to claim her 16th win from just 20 starts.
The line-up for the $100,000 Nevele R Stud Victoria Oaks, to be run at 10pm (AEST) this Saturday under mobile start conditions, is;
1. Life Of Gold (VIC) Michael Hughes Jodi Quinlan
2. Secret Life (VIC) Peter Manning Kerryn Manning
3. Lady Waratah (NSW) Bernie Kelly Bruce Harpley
4. Dilinger Girl (VIC) Larry Eastman Chris Alford
5. Yokas (NSW) John Tapp Gavin Lang
6. Protikori (NSW) Paul Fitzpatrick Blake Fitzpatrick
7. Jadah Rose (VIC) Mark Thompson John F Ryan
---------------------Second Row---------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Queens Gambit (VIC) Alan Donohoe Alan Donohoe
9. Princess Niffe (Emerg) Wayne Potter Daniel Jack
10. Lady Julie Lombo (VIC) Stephen Boyington Stephen Boyington
11. Vixen Hanover (NSW) Charlie Furina Joel Pengilly
12. Threepence (NSW) Elizabeth Heath John Ogden
