Get ready for an exciting race day, as the 2025 Crown Oaks is set to be a thrilling affair! But here's a twist: one expert is daring to challenge the red-hot favorite, Getta Good Feeling.
In the heart-pounding three-year-old filly race, Getta Good Feeling, trained by the renowned Danny O'Brien, has already proven her mettle with a commanding victory in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes. However, form expert David Gately is raising an eyebrow at the $1.80 odds, especially after a recent "soft" win.
"It's a classic race with a reliable form guide, but I'm cautious," Gately says. "Her win was dominant, but it also seemed effortless. She's still learning, and while she deserves her favorite status, I think there's more to uncover."
With two wins and four placings in her career, Getta Good Feeling is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with. But Gately believes there are other horses in the field that could surprise us.
"I'm intrigued by Classic Gem," he continues. "At double-figure odds, she's an enticing prospect. Her last run at Caulfield was impressive, and I see potential in tying her performance to the favorite's. I'm drawn to the value she offers."
Classic Gem's last outing saw her finish a close fourth in the Group 3 Ethereal, while Strictly Business, another horse on Gately's radar, ran a strong second behind Getta Good Feeling in the Wakeful.
So, who will reign supreme in the Crown Oaks? Will Getta Good Feeling justify her favorite status, or will one of the underdogs steal the show?
Here's a look at the full field, with odds courtesy of TAB as of Wednesday, November 5, at 11 am:
Crown Oaks Field and Odds:
Getta Good Feeling (4) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Danny O'Brien, Jockey: Mark Zahra, Career: 6: 2-1-3, Odds: $1.80 / $1.18
The Pearls (12) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Chris Waller, Jockey: James McDonald, Career: 7: 1-2-2, Odds: $8.50 / $2.30
Spicy Lu (7) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Nick Olive, Jockey: Nash Rawiller, Career: 8: 4-0-0, Odds: $9.50 / $2.50
Just A Journey (10) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Michael Freedman, Jockey: Damian Lane, Career: 8: 3-3-1, Odds: $9 / $2.40
Ethereum Girl (3) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: B, W & J Hayes, Jockey: Jamie Melham, Career: 7: 2-1-0, Odds: $18 / $3.90
Sheeza Diva (11) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: M & D Kearney, Jockey: Rachel King, Career: 11: 1-0-1, Odds: $31 / $6
Strictly Business (13) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Thomas Carberry, Jockey: John Allen, Career: 3: 1-1-0, Odds: $10 / $2.60
After Summer (2) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Dominic Sutton, Jockey: Billy Egan, Career: 4: 1-0-1, Odds: $31 / $6
Zouclare (1) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Ciaron Maher, Jockey: Ethan Brown, Career: 6: 0-2-0, Odds: $101 / $16
Voting Rights (5) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: G Waterhouse & A Bott, Jockey: Jordan Childs, Career: 5: 1-0-2, Odds: $31 / $6
Morisu Ojo (8) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Ciaron Maher, Jockey: Craig Williams, Career: 6: 1-0-0, Odds: $126 / $18
Classic Gem (9) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Wendy Kelly, Jockey: Ben Allen, Career: 5: 0-1-1, Odds: $21 / $4
Janey Bopper (6) - Weight: 56kg, Trainer: Andrew Bobbin, Jockey: Harry Coffey, Career: 3: 0-0-1, Odds: $151 / $22
And there you have it! A field full of talented fillies, each with their own story to tell. Who will you be backing? Remember, in horse racing, anything can happen, and an upset could be just around the corner.
So, will David Gately's tips pan out? Or will the favorite, Getta Good Feeling, prove her doubters wrong? Let's find out!
Feel free to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. It's always fascinating to hear different perspectives on these thrilling races!