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2023 Oakleigh Plate Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The Group 1 Oakleigh Plate, this year to be run at Sandown Lakeside Racecourse, is one of the absolute highlights on the Australian racing calendar year in year out. The 1100m handicap combines both speed and stamina, as it is customarily run at a breakneck speed and this Saturday a full field of sixteen, plus four emergencies, are set to do battle for the $450,000 winners cheque and of course, Group 1 glory.

After a quick glance at the final field, there’s no surprise the bookies are having a tough time sorting out the market. The speedy, Asfoora, is currently clinging onto favouritism with Dabble at $5.00, ahead of Sydney-sider, I Am Me, at $6.50. Chain Of Lightning is next best at $7.50 and King Of Sparta rounds out those under double figures at $9.00 along with Star Patrol.

As we know, anything can happen in horse racing and this is probably the toughest Group 1 of the year for punters. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2023 Oakleigh Plate along with The Shark’s best tips.

1. Roch ‘N’ Horse (10) – $31
Jockey – Jamie Mott 58kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Scratched from the Group 1 Lightning Stakes last Saturday after a minor setback. Chased home Bella Nipotina first up last prep before going onto win the Group 1 VRC Classic prior to a break. Has to carry a big impost here but is a quality mare who may have been overlooked in the market.

2. Lombardo (8) – $41
Jockey – Dean Yendall 57kg
Trainer – Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr

Group 1 Goodwood winner who was sent to the spelling paddock after going amiss at his only run last prep. Has jumped out well leading into this but may find them a bit sharp after such a long time off the scene.

3. Masked Crusader (16) – $23
Jockey – Ben Melham 57kg
Trainer – Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes


Talented sprinter who resumes here off the back of some nice Flemington jump outs. Finished 3L behind Nature Strip fresh last prep but hasn’t been sighted in the winners stall since October 2021. Will more than likely get a long way back here and can finish off hard, but is hard to back with any confidence.

4. The Astrologist (13) – $41
Jockey – Blake Shinn 56.5kg
Trainer – Leon & Troy Corstens

Had zero luck in the Group 1 Winterbottom before making amends in the Group 3 Gold Rush at Ascot last start over 1400m. Recent jump outs have been sound but this may be short of his best, despite being a two time winner at 1100m. Not the worst but can’t have in the numbers.

5. King Of Sparta (3) – $9.00
Jockey – John Allen 55.5kg
Trainer – Peter & Paul Snowden

Super win two back in the MM Falvelon at Doomben before demolishing a smart field in the MM Sprint last start. Comes into this off the back of a short freshen but has trialled in the meantime to keep him ticking over. This is tougher than his recent outings but has a dynamite turn of foot and can win with luck.

6. Zoustyle (20) – $26
Jockey – Ethan Brown 55kg
Trainer – Tony Gollan

Nippy Queensland trained galloper who placed in all four of his starts over the Spring, including a third in the Group 1 Moir Stakes behind Coolangatta. Will be ridden with the intention of crossing from the carpark draw and always gives 110% but may be found wanting late.

7. Marine One (5) – $23
Jockey – Harry Coffey 54kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Resumed from a twelve month spell in the Rubiton Stakes a fortnight ago, where he loomed up to win and was only found wanting late. Will strip fitter for that run and drops 5kg here. Should get a nice run behind the speed from the gate and looks a genuine winning chance.

8. Uncommon James (14) – $10
Jockey – Ben Thompson 53.5kg
Trainer – Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted

Hit the front at the 150 first up in the Rubiton only to be run down late by Lofty Strike. Should be improved by that run and is unbeaten second up. Another who will appreciate a significant weight drop and can win with a bit of luck in running.

9. Asfoora (6) – $5.00F
Jockey – Jye McNeil 53kg
Trainer – Henry Dwyer

Speedy mare who has a brilliant record, winning six from eight, including the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint last prep. Jump outs heading into this have been good and she’s fared well from the barrier draw. This is no doubt her toughest test to date but is a deserved favourite.


10. Lofty Strike (11) – $10
Jockey – Craig Newitt 53kg
Trainer – Julius Sandhu

Came from the clouds to win the Group 2 Rubiton first up here at Sandown on the hillside track. Ran well in the Coolmore second up last prep and then was only beaten a length in the VRC Classic. Should enjoy the fast tempo in this and will be storming home again late in the race.

11. Chain Of Lightning (2) – $7.50
Jockey – Craig Williams 52.5kg
Trainer – Peter G Moody

Winner of six from nine who was very good first up without a lot of luck in the Rubiton. Unbeaten second up and gets Craig Williams in the saddle. The inside gate is the only query, as she might find herself buried back on the inside of runners. If she gets the breaks at the right time she’s a definite winning hope.

12. Shooting For Gold (4) – $41
Jockey – Jaden Lloyd (a) 52.5kg
Trainer – Steven O’Dea and Matthew Hoysted

Slowly away his past couple when chasing home King Of Sparta. Nice work in a recent Flemington jump out and goes well at this trip. Another who isn’t necessarily favoured by the inside draw and needs to find if he’s to turn the tables on King Of Sparta, let alone a few of the others here.

13. I Am Me (1) – $6.50
Jockey – Jamie Kah 52kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

In form mare who has put four wins on the board at her past four starts. Will push forward from the inside gate and has no weight on her back. Has been well found in the market but deserves a crack at a race like this. Contender.

14. Mileva (7) – $51
Jockey – Dean Holland 52kg
Trainer – Phillip Stokes

Resumes here off the back of three jump outs and has looked sharp in each one of them. Winner of four from five first up, her only defeat coming first up last prep, when she ran Bella Nipotina to a neck at Moonee Valley. Might be a length or two off some of these but is suited in a race like this. Place hope.


15. Star Patrol (9) – $9.00
Jockey – Michael Dee 52kg
Trainer – Clinton McDonald

Sat behind the leaders first up at Sandown Hillside and was far too good in the run to the line. Has been back to the jump outs since, where he hit the line nicely in a hot heat. Maps ok from the middle draw and cannot be overlooked.

16. Zapateo (12) – $19
Jockey – Daniel Moor 52kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Resumes here off the back of a fast finishing fourth to Asfoora at Flemington last prep. Recent trials in Sydney have been promising and is another with a very good first up record. Tempo should suit and she should be strong late.

17e. Shamino (15) – $81
Jockey – Kayla Crowther 52kg
Trainer – Phillip Stokes

Chased home the in-form Jigsaw two back before a good win at Morphettville last start. This is a lot tougher but is capable of finishing off into a minor prize money position.

18e. Oxley Road (18) – $126
Jockey – Patrick Moloney 52kg
Trainer – Peter G Moody

Led first up in the Rubiton and faded badly to be beaten by all bar the ambulance. Gets winkers on for the first time here but doubt that’s going to be enough. Not keen.

19e. Triple Missile (19) – $51
Jockey – N/A 52kg
Trainer – Lindsey Smith

Got back and made some good late ground in the Rubiton first up, running some nice final sectionals. Two time winner second up but drawn the carpark and will find it hard to stay in touch early.


20e. Bless Her (17) – $126
Jockey – N/A 52kg
Trainer – Clayton Douglas

Resumes off the back of some nice jump outs. Winner of only one from six first up and is yet to win on dry ground. Others look stronger.

Final Word

Despite being an absolute cracker of a race, this year’s Group 1 Oakleigh Plate is a punters nightmare. It’s near impossible to do a speed map, but one thing is certain, they’re going to go like scalded cats.

Feel there is a couple of runners at good odds here that you can have an each-way bet on with a bit of confidence. The first of those is the Godolphin trained Zapateo.

She resumes here off an 11 week let-up and has looked very good in a couple of strong Sydney barrier trials. She won the Group 3 How Now last prep in good style, beating Chain Of Fire comfortably, before coming from the clouds and running Asfoora to 1.5L down the straight at Flemington. She has an explosive turn of foot on her day and should get a good run, midfield with cover. Fresh record is super and with 52kg on her back, will be a big threat late.

The other runner that looks well over the odds is Marine One. He resumed off a 12 month spell in the Rubiton, where he was beaten just over a length by Lofty Strike. He loomed up to win the race at the furlong but ran out of gas late. He’ll strip fitter after that hitout, gets a significant weight drop here and should get a gun from from the good gate. 

There’s an absolute host of winning chances outside these two in a race that will come down to luck in running. If Chain Of Fire gets the breaks from an inside gate she will be in the finish. She should’ve near won the Rubiton first up and is two from two second up.

No knock the fav Asfoora. She’s a smart mare with a brilliant record. Honourable mentions to King Of Sparta, Lofty Strike, Uncommon James, Star Patrol and I Am Me, all with winning hopes and good luck if you’re having a dabble on the race. Just be aware, blink and you’ll miss it!

Oakleigh Plate TipLogo

16. Zapateo – Each-way ($19/$5.50)

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*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

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2022 Oakleigh Plate Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The $750k Oakleigh Plate, run over the flying 1100m at Caulfield, is a Group 1 handicap, and is one of Australia’s most time honoured sprint features. First run in 1884, the race has a long list of winners and plenty of notable names amongst them. 

San Domenico (1949), Schillachi (1992), Snitzel (2006) and Lankan Rupee (2014), are a few that come to mind. Last year’s running resulted in a dead heat, with Celebrity Queen and Portland Sky sharing the honours. Another name will join them in the history books after Saturday, and looking at the field one runner is certainly favoured to do so.

The horse I speak of is the Maher/Eustace trained, unbeaten mare Marabi. Sportsbet currently has her $2.50 favourite, ahead of Sydney visitors Minhaaj and Wild Ruler, both around the $9 mark. Away Game has been supported and is also just under double figures.


We know with horse racing that anything can happen and not many horses can keep a picket fence going, especially once they graduate to Group 1 class. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 Oakleigh Plate along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Wild Ruler (6) – $9.50
Jockey – Mark Zahra 58kg
Trainer – Peter & Paul Snowden

Talented entire who resumes here and flies fresh. He ran into Nature Strip first up last prep and was gallant in defeat finishing 2nd in the G3 Concorde Stakes. He then went on to win the G1 Moir Stakes at the Valley. Has been revved up for this with two nice trial wins, and looks ready to go first up. Demands respect. 

2. Zoutori (12) – $27
Jockey – Damian Lane 58kg
Trainer – Matthew Ellerton

Grand old galloper who resumes here. Has run some big races under handicap conditions in the past, and usually races well fresh. He got out to a mile last prep suggesting he may not be as sharp as he once was. Gets the blinkers on, but happy to watch how he goes here.

3. Jonker (3) – $15
Jockey – Jim Byrne 57.5kg
Trainer – Tony Gollan

Brisbane trained sprinter who can really motor out of the gates. Became a G1 winner last prep, after winning the Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley. No doubt he will roll forward here and take some catching.

4. Bella Nipotina (10) – $14
Jockey – Jamie Kah 54kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Honest mare who had a good prep last time in. Just missed in the G1 Manikato behind Jonker, before a gallant 3rd to Nature Strip in the G1 VRC Classic at Flemington. Has good stats this track/distance and has had a nice trial leading into this. Watch for her late.

5. Marabi (2) – $2.50F
Jockey – Ben Allen 54kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

Unbeaten mare who was simply too fast for her rivals first up in the G2 Australia Stakes at the Valley. This is by far her toughest assignment to date, but it’s hard to knock her on what she has produced thus far. No doubt she will look the winner for a long way, but the last 100m will be the ultimate test for her.


6. Oxley Road (9) – $11
Jockey – Blaike McDougall 52.5kg
Trainer – Peter G Moody

Resumed in good style when finishing 2nd in the G2 Rubiton Stakes here at Caulfield. Had a lot of weight on that occasion and was arguably in the worst part of the track. Is a two time winner at this track and drops 6.5kg off his first up run. Worth some thought.

7. Away Game (5) – $9.00
Jockey – Linda Meech 52kg
Trainer – Ciaron Maher & David Eustace

The third of the Maher/Eustace mares in the race. Gave Marabi 4.5kg two starts ago at Caulfield and ran her to 0.75L, before leading them up at the Gold Coast and finishing 3rd to the smart Isotope. Has had a freshen up for this, and has drawn to get a cosy run behind the speed. Meets Marabi 6.5kg better here and is around double figures. Great value hope.

8. Malkovich (4) – $19
Jockey – Craig Newitt 52kg
Trainer – Bjorn Baker

Sydney speed machine who has recently found one better in his races. Comes here off a lacklustre performance in Sydney, albeit with 62.5kg. Gets a big weight drop here, but feel he is not racing well enough to be winning. 

9. Minhaaj (1) – $8.50
Jockey – Kerrin McEvoy 52kg
Trainer – John O’Shea

In form mare who resumes here. Is 2 from 2 since joining the O’Shea yard, after winning two G3 events last prep. Her fresh form is brilliant, her trials have been super and she has won at Caulfield. Only query is where she ends up from the inside gate? If she is able to get clear running at the business end, she is a definite winning chance. 

10. Poland (8) – $61
Jockey – Michael Poy 52kg
Trainer – Michael Moroney

Talented galloper resuming here. His best form is over further, but has jumped out well with the likes of Nature Strip. Will leave him out of the numbers here, but could pay to follow him deeper into his prep.

11. Streetcar Stranger (13) – $41
Jockey – Paul Gatt 52kg
Trainer – David Jolly

Adelaide galloper who has a brilliant record here at Caulfield. Won the Listed WJ Adams here last start over 1000m in good time. Has been given the visitors draw (13) which makes it tough, but is capable of collecting some prize money.


12. Ingratiating (11) – $23
Jockey – Craig Williams 50kg
Trainer – James Cummings

Talented 3YO colt who resumed in the G2 Rubiton Stakes here at Caulfield. His run was ok on that occasion when finishing 5th behind Marine One. Has a good record here, and was runner up in last year’s Blue Diamond. Draw makes it tricky, but he should be strong late.

13. General Beau (7) – $23
Jockey – Matthew Cartwright 50kg
Trainer – Matthew Ellerton

Another well performed 3YO colt who comes into this race first up. He has put some handy types away in his career to date, including Extreme Warrior and Anamoe, and has had a couple of jump outs in preparation for this. Should get a good run from the gate, and is one of many winning hopes. 

Final Word

Can Marabi keep a picket fence next to her name, or will one of her opponents spoil the party here? There is no doubt she deserves to be favourite heading into this, but there is plenty of value around her in what looks to be a great race on paper. 


Her (Marabi) stablemates, Bella Nipotina, and Away Game, both bring strong form lines to the races here, with the latter meeting her 6.5kg better on their last meet. Sydney siders Wild Ruler and Minhaaj resume here and both have strong winning chances, judging off their recent barrier trials, and the 3YOs at the bottom of the page are more than capable of measuring up.

I’m going to put Away Game on top here at odds, and hope she can repeat her performance two runs ago. She draws well here in gate 5, has 52kg on her back and gets the services of Linda Meech, who won this race in 2020 aboard speedy mare, Pippie. It promises to be a great race, but don’t blink, because they’ll go so quick that you’ll miss it.

Best Oakleigh Plate Tip: 7. Away Game – Each Way ($9.00/$2.80)

If you need more news, information and tips, head over to our Oakleigh Plate page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Sportsbet.