| Distance | 1100m |
| Grade | Group 1 |
| Track Rating | Good 4 |
| Prizemoney | $500,000 |
| Class | Handicap |
| 2020 winner | Pippie ($8.00) |
The Oakleigh Plate is typically run at warp speed and this year's edition looks no different.
The track pattern has historically been a factor on this day at Caulfield, where on-pace can be a distinct advantage. Defending champ Pippie took full advantage of this when winning the race last year.
However if the track plays fair, the run-on profiles will be suited.
I am with one who is shooting for 5 straight wins and from an inside draw, should race on-speed and prove too good.
The Caulfield surface is currently rated a Good 4, with the rail in the True position for the entire circuit.
As mentioned, the track can favour on-speed runners at Caulfield and a close watch is advised early to determine any fast lanes or bias.
Expect this race to be a brutal contest up front, with plenty of noted early speed types engaged.
Ancestry (4) won't be wasting the gun draw and is the most likely to push up and lead.
Anders (17), Mizzy (16) and How Womantic (11) all have early speed and are likely to press forward.
If the track plays fair, the midfield profiles appear suited with both Ranting (9) and Garner (2) to hold an advantage off a hot tempo.
Race favourite Ancestry remains steady around the $5.50 mark.
The early move in betting has been for Brooklyn Hustle, who is into $13 from $17 openers.
Has the quality after showing enough (4 of 10) in the Group 1 VRC Sprint Classic to round out last prep.
He is asked to lump the top-weight 58kg here and will be well found in betting, due to the high-profile jockey booking of Jamie Kah.
Comes up well under the odds to my eye and is one to avoid.
Loves to sit just off a hot tempo and gather them in late, conditions he should receive in this race.
From gate 1, expect them to sit midfield tucked in behind before hunting for the splits at the 200m mark.
He just needs a touch of luck to be extricating from the inside and if he gets it, watch out!
Promised the world early in his career with a stallion deal all but signed off on.
He has since mixed his form last prep and appears well below his best.
They are desperately trying to achieve the Group 1 for stud value, and I doubt they can secure it here. No.
Has an ultra-impressive overall record (13:8-0-1) and arrives here looking for 5 straight wins.
The Phillip Stokes yard are white-hot and would have this gelding cherry ripe for this first-up assignment.
Gate 4 is perfect and they should race close to speed in an ideal striking position. If there is any leader/close to speed bias, he will be awfully hard to run down.
WA raider who is highly talented and deserves her chance taking on the Group 1 Melbourne class.
She was excellent last prep in the weaker Perth features and the trainer does know the right horse to travel.
With no weight (53.5kg), she will be rattling home late.
Has struggled since the visually impressive first-up Moonee Valley win to kick off last prep.
The hype is not justified for this mare and I expect her to find this race far too hot. Avoid.
Did enough first up (3 of 10) here in the Rubiton to suggest he is ready now.
The Gordon Richards camp are very shifty and would have this runner set to peak.
Jumping from gate 2, they have the tactical speed to hunt up and sit just in behind the hot tempo.
Was absolutely blessed with the perfect on-speed run when winning here last start, and is not likely to receive those favours again here.
Happy to risk.
Has the talent, however will need plenty of luck from the horror draw in gate 18.
I expect a significant market drift and I am happy to oppose.
Arrives first-up with no weight (50kg) and does have the ability to trouble a few of his more fancied rivals.
He was excellent last prep when winning at Group 2 level before showing enough (8 of 11) in a hot Coolmore Stud Stakes.
From gate 9, they could find the ideal position midfield in the moving line. Good odds.
Is another desperate to get to stud following the Widden Stud deal, and when they have this pressure on it can often be a negative.
I believe he is just a number here and won't be troubling the judge. No.
Of The Others
#12 Prophets Thump comes up big odds at the current $26 quote and is from the shrewd Freedman stable, who should have the horse ready to peak.
The rider Dean Yendall would love to knock over the higher profile jockeys in a big Group 1.
1st Ancestry
2nd Garner
3rd Ranting
4th Dirty Work