EXPERT RACING TIPS: OAKBANK

OAKBANK PREVIEW AND TIPS | EXPERT TIPS | MONDAY APRIL 21ST 2025

Betting Strategy

No bet race and can’t really dive into this one too much as at the time of writing most of these horses are duel acceptors in the 1100m MDN on Saturday so expecting scratchings galore and a small field.

Betting Strategy

Nostriya has been 18 months between runs so there was obviously an injury issues there. Hes a much better horse than mid-week grade. Has looked good at a couple of jump outs so this might be a good kicking point from the long lay off. Best would beat these. Betsys Flag returns from a spell and had no luck fresh last time out. Poor the next start as favourite then spelled so perhaps an issue. They have tinkered with gear here first up so expecting a good show fresh. Blanc Visage has a fair bit of talent on her day. Was OK at metro level behind the red hot Sir Now. That should tie in nicely back in grade here. De Luca was serviceable first up at Morphetville behind the talented Sir Now. Fitter for it and has placed 2nd up in the past. Draws well.

Betting Strategy

BACK: 13. The Postie (WIN & PLACE) for 2 units

This is a glorifed Port Lincoln MDN! All horses in this have had a million chances to breakthrough but can’t. I guess someone has to finally win. The Postie ran OK behind Silver Lifestyle last start at Strathalbyn. That horse is in a strong race on Saturday. The start prior was onl 1.2L away this track and trip. Can finally breakthrough after 15 attepmts. Hot Strut was OK for 4th behind Party Crasher over the 1600m. The start prior missed by a nose at Swan Hill. Going well the past two and deserves the short quote. Idracowra loomed to win at Strath but just paddled the last furlong for 3.2L 7th. Shown glimpses in the career but does a bit wrong in running. He’s placed only start at this track and is well weighted with the claim. Gee Tee Forty ran huge first run in Australia for Richards/Moyle since coming over from NZ. Poor barrier here but might have more upside than the rest.

Betting Strategy

BACK: 2. Rubini (WIN) for 2 units

BACK: 8. Foster Street (WIN) for 2 units

Rubini had some specking last start and lived up to that with an eye-catching 3rd from near the tail at Murray Bridge. The horse has a pretty good record over this trip and is well suited with the 3kg claim for Isaac Sit. Foster Street didn’t have much luck at Strathalbyn last time out when blocked badly on the fence and never really fully wound out. Drops back in grade and Rochelle Milnes retains the ride. Covert Witness ran really well here two back for 4th then a forgivable run here last time out when blocked for runs. She’s honest enough for a race like this and like Jason Holder going back aboard. The old timer Canidae is better for two runs back and goes well over this track/distance. Draws for a good run and will appreciate stepping up from the 1100m to 1400m.

Betting Strategy

Don’t like this one at all. Run this race 10 times and you get 10 different winners. There Goes My Hero is knocking on the door with a couple of nice 3rd placings at Oakbank and Murray Bridge respectively. Likes to make his own luck on speed and gets the services of the best distance jockey in SA in Jason Holder abaord. He’s sure to rate it well and look the winner in the straight. Bush Inference will appreciate getting back to mid-week grade here after tackling City grade and finding that too strong. This is more his wheelhouse and has a great record when Rochelle Milnes unites with the horse. Badonkidonk was a good last start winner at Naracoorte. Is 1/1 at Oakbank and has a great record with Kayla Crowther in the saddle.

Betting Strategy

BACK: 6. Lake Agawam (WIN & PLACE) for 2 units

Lake Agawam races very well here and has found a new lease of life the past couple of preps since joining the Liz Faust stable. Charged over the top of them with ease to score at this track/distance last time out. Can do the same thing here against a similar field. Prance N Dance was met with heavy market support but could only manage a 2.9L 6th here when best work was on the line. Draws softly here and is a winner over this track and distance in the past. Pannell looks a good booking. Champagne Effort ran really well at Balaklava last start and looked the winner in the straight but was just overhauled late for 3rd. Wide draw but should come across and give a great sight again. In a good yard for open improvement. Blue Special is first up but does have a tough of ability. His last couple have been at metro level so will appreciate the class drop. They have tinkered with gear for the return run. Perhaps watch markets.

Betting Strategy

BACK: 3. Andrews Memory (WIN) for 3 units

Good race this. Like the chances of Andrews Memory last time in town and ran alright for 2L 4th behind the ultra talented Riche Damour. Looking like the step to 1400m suits now and this is easier than City grade albeit a few decent enough horses in it. The horse is 1/1 at the track distance. Billie Bronx is a bit of an enigma but best is certainly good enough. Ran really well first up at Murray Bridge in a harder race than this. 2nd up form is concerning but the horse has a bit of class factor about it. Annihilate draws poorly but has good race form on the board. Drops back massively in class here and gets the weight relief for the talented Matthew Chadwick. If he can overcome the draw then it’s the one to beat. Talkin Italian has been in the market the past few starts but a bit disappointing on face value. Prepared to give one more go with a senior taking back over. The ability is there but just needs to bring it race day.