A strong field has been assembled for the Australian Oaks (2400m) this Saturday at Randwick.

Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Australian Oaks.

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2024 Australian Oaks Speed Map

Bush Girl led the Adrian Knox field up last Saturday so I suspect she leads again. Outside that, it’s hard to find early speed. Quintessa could hold a forward spot from the inside gate, likewise Orchestral…but I think the tempo will be a crawl.

2024 Australian Oaks Runner Preview:

1. Orchestral: Orchestral has the runs on the board and is clearly the one to beat. I thought she was in trouble 400m out in the Vinery when Tutta La Vita kicked and looked home, but this girl showed her class and knuckled down with real purpose to win and win well. There is the query of what is left in the tank, but there was that query in the Vinery and she came out with flying colours.

2. Quintessa: Ripping filly for Mark Walker. Tried her guts out in the Alister Clark but was nabbed on the peg by Antrim Coast, who ran well last Saturday, albeit in a weak race. Maps to do no work, she has class…but I don’t think she is at the level of Orchestral.

3. Zardozi: Zardozi is on track still and I am not going to drop off her. On the turn, she looked the winner of the Vinery but she just lacked the hardness to go with them late and flattened out the final 150m when third to Orchestral. She has that toughen up run under the belt, which holds her in good stead for 2400m and has that upside.

4. Tutta La Vita: Was she flattered a touch by a 12/10 ride from Nash in the Vinery? I am saying yes. The ride helped her a lot, looking the winner, but just lacked the class to put the race to bed. Not sold on her at 2400m and I think she will need another ride similar to what Nash produced last time to be in the finish. Too short.

5. Autumn Angel: She’s on track to be a threat. Loved the way she let down and toughed it out to win The Kewney before having a month off into the Adrian Knox where she lumped the big weight and tried her guts out but just found one better in Good Banter. Upside, 2400m no issue, weight relief…she’s in the mix for sure.

6. Basilinna: I think this girl is way over the odds. On face value, just a run in the Alister Clark, but I don’t think she was 100% happy around the tight track and only got warm late in an eye catching effort. She will love getting to 2400m and she held her own in the VRC Oaks behind Zardozi. Big price and a must for exotics.

7. Dances With Hooves: She’s flying this girl but this is too big of a step up.

8. Piplup: Race shape was clearly against her in the Vinery and was safely held, but she kept chasing and was solid in defeat. 2400m no issue, strong late…doubt she wins, but could pinch a first four spot at a big price.

9. True Fairy: Didn’t fire in the Vinery and suspect something similar will happen here.

10. Bush Girl: Good thing if they found a maiden, but she’s not threatening this lot.

2024 Australian Oaks $100 Betting Strategy:

Hard to find value in this race with the two favourites. I am going to have $50 Win on Zardozi (Best Tote/SP) but have $50 Place on Basilinna (Mid Tote). I think she’s flying and will love 2400m.

Group l Strategy Outlay: $5525
Group l Strategy Return: $5141

2024 Australian Oaks Odds:

1. Orchestral (3)

J: James Mcdonald

T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood

2. Quintessa (2)

J: Opie Bosson

T: Mark Walker

3. Zardozi (9)

J: Tom Marquand

T: James Cummings

4. Tutta La Vita (7)

J: Nash Rawiller

T: Chris Waller

5. Autumn Angel (8)

J: Mark Zahra

T: Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman

6. Basilinna (6)

J: Blake Shinn

T: Emma-Lee & David Browne

7. Dances With Hooves (4)

J: Craig Williams

T: Cameron Crockett

8. Piplup (10)

J: Damian Lane

T: Brad Widdup

9. True Fairy (1)

J: Noriyuki Masuda

T: Daiki Chujo

10. Bush Girl (5)

J: Jay Ford

T: Kerry Parker