Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
Image: Bruno Cannatelli
Archie Alexander sees the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield as the ideal VRC Oaks trial for lightly raced filly Gamay

Trainer Archie Alexander sees the Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield as the ideal VRC Oaks trial for lightly raced filly Gamay.

Saturday’s Group Three Ethereal Stakes over 2000m for three-year-old fillies will be Gamay’s fifth race start and will go a long way to determining her upcoming program.

Gamay’s first three starts were at Ballarat, two on the synthetic surface including her maiden success, before her last-start second at Flemington over 1800m to Sydney visitor Celestial Falls, an opponent on Saturday, beaten 1-1/4 lengths.

The Mark Newnham-trained Celestial Falls is Saturday’s $3.50 favourite while Gamay is a $10 chance.

“We didn’t have much luck last time but it looks a strong Ethereal this year,” Alexander said.

“I’m not saying it’s ever easy and she might be up against it, but they all have to step up and we’ll see where they stand.

“I thought she was good last time, the distance should be no problem, and she was strongest late in the race.”

The VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 7 has been in Alexander’s thoughts since the filly began her campaign in August.

While Alexander has been patient with Gamay he says Saturday’s performance will determine whether the filly presses on to the VRC Oaks.

And if she performs up to Alexander’s expectation she will head to the 2019 VRC Oaks without another start.

“I would think she would have to run top four to press on to the Oaks, otherwise we can go somewhere else, or give her a break,” Alexander said.

“She’s quite light, not very mature or strong but she should have enough money to get in.

“She won’t need to do anything so we’ll look after her and have her ready for the Oaks.

“If she doesn’t get to the Oaks, there’s always the autumn, there’s plenty of options there.”

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au