Very interesting race, won last year by the eventual Oaks winner, Magical Miss (beat Ha Ha from memory).

As if it wasn't already hard enough to find the winner, the barrier draw has confused things even more with most of the main contenders drawing wide.

I haven't had a chance to take a detailed look at each horse yet, but some early comments based on previous memory and observations:

Royal Purler: While she beat Victory Vein last start, she did have a soft lead and had ideal conditions to run at her absolute best. In a big field from barrier 11 this race is a whole new ball game. Prepared to say she should be at least 20/1 to win.

Victory Vein: Versatility is her biggest asset and starting out in the carpark she is going to need it. Did she just have an off day last start? or did she fail to run a strong 1600m? who knows! With the gate and ? over last start she must be some risk. Experience tells me that the top 3YO races in the Spring are ideally suited to the improvers, those that are just coming onto the scene (i.e. Helenus, Platinum Scissors, Magical Miss last year etc.). I feel that Victory Vein has already reached her peak this preparation and can only go down from here. All that taken into account and the fact she is likely to be a shortish priced favourite, I am prepared to work around her and take her on.

Lashed: I really like this filly, looks to be a big chance in the Oaks. Had excellent Adelaide form in good time races and has been racing well this prep. Last start she showed the acceleration of a top quality horse when there was next to no pace in the race and even though the front runners were sprinting home hard, she was still able to make ground from somewhere like 14th on the turn to finish 3rd. Always needs luck racing from that far back but she strikes me as a filly just waiting to hit her peak and the conditions of this race look ideal for her to do that. D Oliver on board is another plus. She's my early pick.

Chuckle: Turned in two super runs so far this prep. On both occasions she has made up a lot of ground against the pace bias and should have won last start but for excellent tactics by C Brown on Planchet. Still on the improve and another suited by the good pace and pressure in this race. A big threat.

Rare Insight: Beat the Colts last start and prior to that ran an excellent race in Open F&M class behind Mica's Pride in very good race time. John Hawkes will have her 100% on the day but barrier 16 is a big concern.

Coupe: ok win last start but I think she was the right horse in the right race on the right day. There was nothing special about the figures from that race and she is yet to show me anything to say she can be competitive against the best 3YOF's.

Interesting in any other thoughts?