Following the 162nd edition of the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday, the Flemington Carnival rolls on with another exciting edition of the Kennedy Oaks on Thursday afternoon.
Just eleven three-year-old fillies will step out in the Group 1 feature, but some of the age group’s best are engaged, and there is value to be found in Kennedy Oaks betting.
VRC Kennedy Oaks – Winner
No. 4 Pavitra
I thought that Pavitra was excellent in the Wakeful Stakes on Derby Day and she’s the one for me in this year’s Oaks.
The daughter of American Pharoah recorded consecutive wins in provincial New South Wales earlier in her prep and finished a credible fifth in the Flight Stakes, in what was her first look at black type company.
She’s since finished third in the Ethereal Stakes and only just missed last Saturday, and she looks absolutely cherry ripe for Thursday’s Grand Final.
VRC Kennedy Oaks – 2nd
No. 1 She’s Extreme
There’s little doubt in my mind that She’s Extreme is the class filly in this year’s Kennedy Oaks field, but I’m not entirely convinced that she’ll see out the trip, and I think that she is a touch of unders at around the $2.70 mark (at publish).
The Extreme Choice filly was excellent throughout her two-year-old campaign, and she was rewarded with an impressive win in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes.
She’s yet to strike in four starts back this time, but she finished second in the Flight Stakes and third in the Spring Champion at her last two, and she does take her place in this race at peak fitness.
VRC Kennedy Oaks – 3rd
No. 2 Zennzella
Zennzella won the Wakeful Stakes on Saturday, and she is subsequently chasing a hat-trick when she takes her place in the Kennedy Oaks field.
The Snitzel filly ran finished third, beaten a length at Cranbourne when resuming this time, and she enjoyed big improvement into a dominant second-up win in maiden company.
I thought that she truly stamped her last with her first black type win last week, and she is drawn to receive every chance again this week under James McDonald.
VRC Kennedy Oaks – 4th
No. 7 As Time Goes By
Another filly backing up from the Wakeful is As Time Goes By, and even though she is still a maiden, I really wouldn’t be surprised to see her winning.
The Deep Impact filly has returned three decent efforts this time, and she has kept her best work for late at her last two appearances.
It’s tough to put a maiden on top in a Group 1, but As Time Goes By does have plenty of upside, and she can fight out the finish of the Kennedy Oaks.
VRC Kennedy Oaks Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #4 Pavitra
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
