EXPERT RACING TIPS: OAKBANK

OAKBANK PREVIEW AND TIPS | EXPERT TIPS | WEDNESDAY MAY 7TH 2025

Betting Strategy

Cielao looks to have a mortgage on this one. Ran a cracker first up when kicked away in the straight at Murray Bridge but was just gunned down in the shadows of the post. Fitter for the run back and faces a very moderate bunch here. Might have more upside. Draws well. The Postie is a 17-start MDN but the last 5 runs of her career have probably been her most consistent. Ran OK for 4th here last start albeit 6L away. Boasts an eye-catching 3rd here three back so handles the undulations of Oakbank. Draws well and nice claim. Prance N Bow ran a good race two back before not doing much in the market at Balaklava. Those runs can be forgiven for horses as you never know how fairly that track actually is. Likes to get back and work home. Will be hoping to give Anna Jordsjo her first win back from injury. Races well at Oakbank. Foxy Frost wasn’t wanted in betting ($101) at Murray Bridge but rattled home for a 1.9L 6th. If the horse can hold that form then she can be competitive in a race like this. Especially with the good draw and 3kg weight drop after the claim.

Betting Strategy

Star Gladiator looked all over a winner at Strathalbyn last start but was grabbed right on the wire by the heavily backed Political Promise. The horse draws favourably in gate 1 here and finished 2nd the only start at Oakbank. Deserves to breakthrough. Pretty Morsel and Velvet Fox both come from the same race when finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Just thinking Pretty Morsel might turn the tables on Velvet Fox with the kind barrier draw but they both should be running on hard at the finish. Rich Lady is an 18-start MDN resuming from a spell. She forever starts hard in the market but always finds a couple better. She still will run very honest and looks well placed with the 3kg claim for Isaac Sit.

Betting Strategy

BACK: 7. Gin Rummy (WIN) for 2 units

Gin Rummy will find this easier than racing Group 3 level in the Chairman’s Stakes when send out $201 and didn’t disgrace himself and connections with an honest 4.3L 8th closing well from the 2nd half of the field. This is clearly a huge drop in grade, draws well and a repeat of the Chairman’s run would have him beating this lot. Honest horse.

Mandino has put in four honest runs since coming across to the Theodore yard. Made really nice headway first up over the unsuitable 1350m at Strathalbyn for 3L 5th. The step right up to 2000m suits and gets a strong rider in Connor Murtagh aboard. Placed 2nd up in the past.

Rikki Riccardo had long odds specking last start and that money proved to be near spot on. Came from well back on the bend and joined in straight but was just gunned down right on the post by the talented Longer Route. The winner is a City horse when right so the form should stack up nicely for a race like this. I Run On Air broke the MDN status over 1600m last time out when a dominant winner at Balaklava. His form does tie in around top selection Gin Rummy so must respect on that. Draws well and gets in-form Group 1 Derby winner Lachy Neindorf in the saddle.

Betting Strategy

The big grey horse In The Darkness deserves another win for trainer/rider Jessica Tzefaris. Ran a bold front running ride at Ballarat Synthetic but was just gunned down in the shadows of the post. Had a 4 week freshen for this. Draws well and the blinkers go off and handles the Oakbank track with a 2nd placing the only time she’s seen the course.

Priscilla’s Choice ran a much better race at Bordertown when 2nd to Punchin. Is on the quick back up here and has great stats at Oakbank. Draws well and like the engagement of Connor Murtagh.

Covert Witness can be forgiven for last starts efforts when held up badly and knocked out of contention. Previous form is very honest and that would warrant selection here. Previous three runs have all been honest performances at this track and like the booking of Stubby Holder. Can give Hannah Bryce her first win as a trainer.

Piwhane is fitter for two runs back. Did nothing first up but ran a much improved race 2nd up at Clare for a close up 4th. Draws well and has placed at this track/distance in the past. Todd Pannell a key booking.

Betting Strategy

BACK: 1. Lord Morton (WIN & PLACE) for 2 units

The top four selected here all come from the same race over this track/distance last start. Thought Lord Morton was the unlucky runner of the race when held up badly and had his run stolen by eventual winner Ambello. Was then forced to switch back to the inside which was off and made steady headway. Fitter fo that first up run and races well here.

Lake Agawam was slowly away and in the 2nd half of the field. Tried really hard through the line for 1.1L 4th but was in the worst part of the track as the outside fence seemed to be the fast lane. Is another that loves racing here.

Champagne Effort led the race on a slick tempo and did a really good job to guts it out for 3rd. Looks the likely leader here and should give a great sight. Utah Joe caught the eye late for 2nd. Had the advantage of the outside fast lane but it was a great run nonetheless. Nice claim for Brooke King and is another that loves racing at Oakbank.

Betting Strategy

BACK: 8. Beurre Rouge (WIN & PLACE) for 2 units

Beurre Rouge caught the eye at Balaklava two back when flashed for 2nd. Then took on a Listed race at this track at $201 and didn’t disgrace herself when held up for runs but kept coming soundly through the line for 3.9L 10th. This is clearly easier and like the services of Todd Pannell here. Races well at Oakbank.

Hidden Witness is a lightly raced mare for the powerful Clarken/O’shea yard. Returns from a break here and looked good in a recent jump out. Won in dominant fashion last prep at headquarters so expect a good showing fresh. Draws well.

Talkin Italian was off the boil for a while but put in a much better performance for 2nd at this track last start. The 3rd horse from that race Annihilate came out and destroyed a very strong BM74 race at Morphettville on Derby Day. That should tie the form in nicely for a race like this.

Ambello was a good winner at this track last start aided by a smart ride by Connor Murtagh getting him to the outside rail. Loves racing at Oakbank and can figure again. This is tougher though.

Betting Strategy

BACK: 15. Shadow Hawk (WIN & PLACE) for 1 unit

Tricky end to the day. Thought Shadow Hawk could represent some value at monster odds. Not much went right for him at this track and trip first up when held up badly for runs and was never fully tested. Noted that only two career wins have both been 2nd up. Drops in weight and draws well. Might surprise.

Streetcar Appollo drops back in class and distance after not seeing the 1550m out at metro level. He ran an OK 3rd to Fine Future two back. That horse came out and won in style at metro level. Draws out but you can make ground from anywhere at Oakbank and Justin Potter is riding well.

Zion’s Gate returns from a spell and won with ease first up over this track/distance last prep. Unseen at the trials or jump outs but expect a forward showing fresh. The old boy Canidae can be thrown in the numbers. Might take the old legs a few runs to warm up this prep but has been making good headway from the back. Meets a couple of rivals better off at the weights.