THE WEEKEND WRAP: Queensland Oaks

The Weekend Wrap by Ben Clifton. 

 Group 1 Racing: Queensland Oaks

Eagle Farm Race 8 – Won by Socks Nation

Tempo: Strong enough tempo.

Race Overview: Absolute junk. The tempo was put on and the race was set up for a good staying type to come over the on-pacers. None of them could make an impression.

Socks Nation ($151) – Raced on-pace and battled on well. Had shown some ability early on but recent form had only been fair. Won a Group 1 now, rating will go up and may never win another race.

Scarlet Oak ($4.8) – Too bad to be true. Market was soft and may never be a stayer. Suspect they will keep her to mile races next campaign.

Mare of Mt Buller ($5) – The disappointment of the race for mine. Put in a great spot and only battled. Not convinced she has much of a future off that as might be a bit of a plodder.

Last Word: the horse who got beaten 51 lengths may be the only decent horse in this race.

Flemington Race 4 –won by Berkshire Breeze.

Tempo: Strong early tempo.

Race Overview: Absolute demolition job. They went out quick here and they still came home well.

Berkshire Breeze ($2.80) – Has gone like a rocket here. Loved the way he travelled and just exploded. I’m not a big believer in Futures betting but this horse should be nearly favourite in the Melbourne Cup. There is some ordinary horses at the top of the market.

Last Word – The winner made the other horses look second rate but don’t sleep on these horses next start, they have run into a very good horse.

Maiden Winner of the Week:

Date: 6/6/24

Geelong Race 1 – won by Oodnadatta.

Why: Moderate early tempo but last sectionals are outstanding.

Horses to follow from the race:

• Oodnadatta – Has speed and can finish off well. Good horse.
• Dreamwriter – Coming out of 2 good races now. Should win a maiden soon.
• Warparty – Was first run back in 2^nd Will win shortly.

Other Notable Horses:

• Vilana – Went like a rocket and backs up into the Stradbroke. Only concern I have is that he has failed in 2 previous Stradbrokes.
• Rum Diary – Rated well in a maiden at Taree.
• Fleetwood – Come back a good horse.