The time-honoured Oakleigh Plate is set to be run and won this Saturday at Caulfield, and there is no shortage of talent engaged in this year’s 1100m sprint feature.
After claiming the spoils way back in 2018 with Russian Revolution, Team Snowden has their sights set on another win with last-start Roman Consul Stakes winner, King’s Gambit.
On the back of a disappointing run in the in the Rubiton Stakes a fortnight ago, the Henry Dwyer-trained Asfoora remains on the top of line betting, while there’s also a big case to be made for Schirripa returning from a let-up.
It’s potentially one of the most open races of the day, and you can find our best Oakleigh Plate tips below.
2024 Oakleigh Plate Suggested Bets
- 1 Unit King’s Gambit (Win)
Oakleigh Plate – Winner
Siding with the favourite King’s Gambit on top.
The Snowden-trained colt has been super honest in all six races he’s contested, finding the money on each occasion with a well overdue win coming in last year’s Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes to wrap up the spring.
The son of I Am Invincible let down with a powerful turn of foot along the rail to win by 1.68 lengths, form that was franked not long after with third place-getter Ozzmosis going on to win the Coolmore.
Unlike a few others, I don’t think 1100m will test him first-up given he ran a huge race for second in the Canonbury Stakes over this same trip last year.
To my eye, he looked nice and composed in a recent Warwick Farm trial, and if they go hard early up on the speed, he should get a nice cozy run from midfield before unleashing down the straight.
Suggested Bet: No. 15 King’s Gambit
Oakleigh Plate – 2nd
South Australian raider Sghirripa has to be respected after producing four wins from five starts across the spring and through to January.
The Oxlade stable is chasing their first Group 1 with this four-year-old by Lonhro, an impressive three-length winner of the Standish Handicap last month in his first start at Group level.
This is tougher again, but his recent trial win down south at Morphettville suggested he’s still as sharp as ever.
Dropping back to 1100m off a break won’t hurt, and with plenty of late speed under the hood, he’s more than capable of running a place, if not winning, a big race like this.
Suggested Bet: No. 4 Sghirripa
Oakleigh Plate – 3rd
This is the toughest task he’s faced, but I do think Recommendation can run a nice race at odds.
The Ciaron Maher-trained son of Shalaa has had his runs spaced, last seen holding on for third in the Australia Stakes behind a couple of smart horses in Veight and Southport Tycoon.
He won his maiden well on debut over this same trip at Gosford a couple of years ago and looks to be one of the more progressive horses in the field with fitness on his side.
He’s already taken a big step after winning a Stakes race last year, and as we’ve seen recently, he’ll likely prove one of the toughest to catch up on the speed.
Suggested Bet: No. 7 Recommendation
