Oaks day schedule and best bets
Oaks is minutes away
We are under 10 minutes from the running of the $1 million VRC Oaks.
There is lots of talk about Proxima Dea who is the favourite but there are plenty of contenders including De Armas, Ice Lady and Quick Finish.
The 2500m is always a test. Let’s see which of these horses will stand up to the distance today – it’s worth noting that track conditions have improved today as the sun has shone down on the Flemington track.
The race is set to start at 5.10pm AEDT.
Dillon shrugs off latest AFL scandal as Birdcage celebrations go on
Scandals be damned, AFL boss Andrew Dillon has shrugged off his code’s latest off season impropriety to enjoy Oaks Day in the hospitable confines of betting shop Tabcorp in the Birdcage.
As the Sydney Swans triage the crisis initiated on Monday by star forward Tom Papley, Dillon was enjoying all that Ladies Day has to offer, with his old boss at the AFL Gill McLachlan, who now runs Tabcorp playing host.
Papley was meant to also be there, but under the unfolding circumstances, was a late scratching.
Race 7 – Crown Red Roses Stakes
Lady Catalina has won the Crown Red Roses Stakes at Flemington in a very tight finish from Sequinned and Semantics.
The top three positions were all decided on photo finishes as four horses hit the line close together.
Ashanti enjoys Melbourne sun at Oaks Day
US singer, songwriter and actress Ashanti is turning heads at Flemington today as she makes an Oaks Day appearance.
The 2000s era chart-topper is on tour in Australia and New Zealand, but she is most happy to be away from the winter chill in her hometown of New York.
“The weather is beautiful, it’s cold in New York right now, so I’m happy to be here,” Ashanti told Nine.
Best known for her tracks Foolish and Happy along with memorable collaborations with hip-hop superstars like Fat Joe and Ja Rule, Ashanti will be performing in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Auckland this month.
The staff of life, Flemington-style
When it comes to food and hydration at Flemington on Oaks Day, it’s a case of the have and the have nots.
In the Birdscage, French champagne from Mumm and bespoke cocktails flow like water, while celebrities, influencers, the odd politician and important corporate customers also sup on the likes of endless rounds of salmon and fish tacos proffered on trays in refined, bite-sized portions.
Adjacent to the exclusive precinct on the course’s front lawn is the trackside outpost of restaurateur Chris Lucas’ booking-only Chin Chin, where kingfish sashimi, prawn and ginger dumplings, char-grilled lemongrass and turmeric chicken and rendang beef curry are on the menu.
Race 6 – Cirka Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Final
Sulek has won the Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Final at Flemington.
There were some questions marks around the horse being able to shine in a 1600-metre race, but he powered to the finish.
“[It’s a] huge result for our team, he’s a horse who always promises a lot,” Trainer Dominic Sutton told Nine.
Cirka Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Final
9. Sulek $4.40/$1.80 (One Pool)
14. Wetumpka $4.40
5. Rosa Aotearoa $3.10
The style beyond the Birdcage
Fashions on the Field is underway and the peacocks are prancing in the Birdcage, but don’t think for a second that’s where the well-dressed and stylish begin and end on Oaks Day at Flemington.
In general admission, fillies and fellas alike are strutting their stuff.
Camera shy fashionista Ash Lebrasse caught this correspondent’s eye in an incredible mint-green Adidas x Ivy Park suit, a collaboration that was overseen by queen bey herself, Beyoncé.
Race 5 – Sigma Trophy
Nobler has won the Sigma Trophy in a great run with jockey Damian Lane very happy with his run.
Trainer Chris Waller said the horse was strong in the last 200m.
“This carnival is like a Test match – you go through some ups and downs, as we’ve experienced,” Waller told Nine.
“But there are still things to win, and I’m proud of our staff and how they have held up.”
The bride-to-be wore butter yellow
What better way to escape the stress of wedding planning than with a day at the races.
Annalise Dalins is set to marry Collingwood’s Josh Daicos in the coming weeks and says Oaks Day could not have come at a better time.
“It’s nice to be here, enjoying the day away from the planning for a moment,” she says, from inside Crown’s Birdcage marquee.
Race 4 – Inglis Bracelet
Bella Verona has won the Inglis Bracelet at Flemington today, beating Sass Appeal in an upset finish.
Sass Appeal looked set to win before Bella Verona chased her down in the closing stages.
Race 4 – Inglis Bracelet
12. Bella Verona $12.10/$3.20 (One Pool)
2. Sass Appeal $1.30
- Fireball Miss N.T.D
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
