By Adam Hamilton
Saturday night’s Victoria Oaks heats are must viewing for Kiwi punters.
That’s because two of glamour fillies of the series – Shez All Rock and Soho Burning Love – will head to NZ after the Victoria Oaks to chase races like the NZ Oaks and Harness Jewels.
Both Shez All Rock and Soho Burning Love are favourites to win their Victoria Oaks heats at Melton and share favouritism at $5 for the final in the Aussie TAB’S prepost market.
Shez All Rock, who is bound for the All Stars’ barn, emerged from obscurity to brilliantly win the NSW Oaks in February for young trainer-driver Mark Pitt.
Despite drawing gate six in her Victoria Oaks heat, Shez All Rock has been crunched from $2.80 into $2.20.
It’s a strong heat Emma Stewart’s classy pair Nostra Villa (gate eight, $3.50) and Molly Kelly (seven, $6) and Marg Lee’s Jilliby Madonna (one, $8.50) the other key players.
Soho Burning Love is a clear but easing favourite ($2.20 to $2.30) after drawing outside the back row (gate 10) in her Victoria Oaks heat.
Her main dangers look to be Queensland raider Aqua Miss (gate one, $4.40) and Emma Stewart’s tough filly Nostra Beach (seven, $4.40).
Betting is the middle heat is dominated by Grant Dixon’s Queensland-based NSW Oaks heat winner Fame Assured. She’s $2.20 from gate seven despite being first-up since failing in the NSW Oaks final.
Emma Stewart trains the two main rivals in the emerging Speak No Evil (gate four, $5) and her NSW Oaks heat winner Imprincessgemma (11, $5).
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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