The Listed Oaklands Plate has long served as a springboard for future elite performers, and trainer Tommy Stokes believes Matahga could be the next to follow that trajectory.

The exciting two-year-old, a son of Tivaci, heads the market for Saturday’s feature at Morphettville Parks after an eye-catching win at Thomas Farms Racecourse Murray Bridge earlier this month over 1200m.

Stokes, who runs the Adelaide arm of the Phillip Stokes operation, is confident the step up to 1400m will suit his charge perfectly.

“We’ve got a lot of time for him,” Stokes said. “He was super in both of his two runs this time in and I think he’s improved again.”

“1400m is definitely going to be a big plus so he’s a horse to follow. He might be a horse that ends up at our Pakenham base after this.”

Stokes has previous success in the Oaklands Plate, winning in 2024 with Femminile, who later claimed the SA Derby. Coco Sun achieved the same feat after her 2023 win.

Alongside Matahga, the stable will also run Kazaru, while Victorian raiders Ethereum Girl, Miss Ellaneous, and Testing One Two are prominent in betting markets.

Currently, Matahga is a $2.90 favourite, followed by Ethereum Girl at $3.90 and Miss Ellaneous at $4.50.

Punters looking to back Matahga or explore other options for the Oaklands Plate can check out the best Australian betting sites at Just Horse Racing.