AUSTRALASIAN OAKS News Stories

The Schweppes Oaks - registered as the Australasian Oaks - is the first Group One of the SAJC Autumn Carnival. It is contested over 2000 metres, and like all Oaks races, is where the country's classy fillies come out to play.

Oaks races, like Derbies, are some of the most historic and memorable in world racing. However, the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville is fairly modern by racing standards, as it was only inaugurated in 1982.

Rose of Kingston got the chocolates that day, in what proved to be a worthy result. That's because Rose of Kingston went on to be the Australian Horse of the Year in 1982, winning multiple Group 1 races, including the Australian Derby.

Two of Australia's most famous horse trainers have put their stamp on the Australasian Oaks. Bart Cummings and Lee Freedman trained four winners apiece in the race, in a period from 1983 to 2000.

The 2000-metre start at Morphettville sees the runners complete almost a full lap of the course. While there's a decent run before hitting the first bend, horses can still get caught out wide. With three bends to navigate, this will all but spell the end of the filly's chances.

Punters have enjoyed the Australasian Oaks of late. That's because a horse in single-figure odds has won every edition since 2011. However, there has still been value to be had, with four winners in this period finishing at odds of 7/1 or higher.