The 2016 Oakleigh Plate field has been released and a capacity field of 18 runners as well as three emergencies have been included in the entries for the Group 1 event that will be held at Caulfield on Saturday.
Fell Swoop is one of a number of talented sprinters that have been included in the 2016 Oakleigh Plate field. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Flamberge will carry the top-weight of 58 kilograms in the Oakleigh Plate and he is set to return to the races for the first time since he finished seventh behind Delectation in the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) at Flemington on November 7.
Dothraki, Fast ‘N’ Rocking and Smokin’ Joey have all been allocated 56.5 kilograms and are also set to return to the races in the Oakleigh Plate.
Fast ‘N’ Rocking savaged the line to finish third behind Shamal Wind and Under The Louvre in the Oakleigh Plate last year, while trainer Wez Hunter is hopeful that Smokin’ Joey can replicate his win in the 2014 edition of the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m).
Éclair Choice has a fitness edge over his rivals after resuming in the Group 2 Rubiton Stakes (1100m) and he will carry 56 kilograms along with Lord Of The Sky, who has not been seen at the races since he pulled up lame following the Group 3 Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on July 25.
Bounding is one of the most exciting horses in the Oakleigh Plate field and she will carry 55.5 kilograms when she jumps from barrier eight on Saturday.
The Lonhro mare made her debut for Team Snowden with a simply outstanding performance in the Group 3 Theshark.com.au Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 29, but she was unable to reproduce that effort in the Group 3 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens on September 12 and she was sent to the spelling paddock.
Fell Swoop will receive a maiden chance at Group 1 level in the Oakleigh Plate after recording five straight wins during the 2015 Spring Racing Carnival and he will carry 53 kilograms along with Gregers and Kuro.
The Quarterback is the only horse that will carry 52.5 kilograms, while Atmospherical, Griante, Pittsburgh Flyer and Vezalay will carry 52 kilograms.
No three-year-old has won the Oakleigh Plate since Starspangledbanner in 2010, but a number of talented three-year-olds have been included in the 2016 Oakleigh Plate field and will carry the minimum weight of 50 kilograms.
Heatherly and Headwater will both take winning form into the Oakleigh Plate following their strong victories in the Rubiton Stakes and Listed Kensington Stakes (1000m) respectively, while Keen Array has not been seen at the races since he finished second behind Japonisme in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), but has been the best-backed runner in early Oakleigh Plate betting.
Reldas, Swinging Arms and Secret Agenda were included in the Oakleigh Plate acceptances, but they will require scratchings in order to earn a place in the $500,000 event.
