Kennedy Oaks – VRC Oaks - Thursday November 9th, 2017
2500m | Group 1 Set Weights Fillies | Flemington Racecourse | Prize money: $1,000,000
Kennedy Oaks / VRC Oaks General Information
The Group 1 Kennedy Oaks (registered as the VRC Oaks) is one of the final staying events of the Spring for 3-year-old fillies and is run under set weights conditions on the third day (known as ladies’ day) of the Melbourne Cup Carnival held during Spring.
The race is held over a distance of 2500m at Flemington Racecourse and attracts the top 3-year-old staying fillies from around the country. There is a prize purse of $1 Million up for grabs with the winner earning $600,000.
History of the Kennedy Oaks / VRC Oaks
The race was first held in 1861 and was registered as the VRC Oaks, the name was changed to the Crown Oaks in 2007, but has recently been changed this year to the Kennedy Oaks. The race became of Group 1 status in 1979 and has remained at that class since.
Smart fillies that have won the race include; Serenade Rose, Miss Finland, Mosheen and Jameka.
Kennedy Oaks / VRC Oaks Key Statistics
- Favourites have an excellent record in the race, winning 15 times since 1983
- The longest priced winner came last year with Lasqueti Spirit saluting at $100-1
- Bart Cummings is unsurprisingly the top trainer in the race with 6 wins to his name
- David Hayes has one of the worst strike rates in the race, having 19 starters for only 1 win
Past Winners of the Kennedy Oaks / VRC Oaks (Last 20 editions)
| Year | Crown Oaks Winners |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Lasqueti Spirit |
| 2015 | Jameka |
| 2014 | Set Square |
| 2013 | Kirramosa |
| 2012 | Dear Demi |
| 2011 | Mosheen |
| 2010 | Brazillian Pulse |
| 2009 | Faint Perfume |
| 2008 | Samantha Miss |
| 2007 | Arapaho Miss |
| 2006 | Miss Finland |
| 2005 | Serenade Rose |
| 2004 | Hollow Bullet |
| 2003 | Special Harmony |
| 2002 | Bulla Borghese |
| 2001 | Magical Miss |
| 2000 | Lovelorn |
| 1999 | Tributes |
| 1998 | Grand Archway |
| 1997 | Kensington Palace |
Early Betting on VRC Oaks
The Oaks is generally wide open in the early betting as most 3-year-olds have yet to run the distance in the race. This year is no different with Anchor Bid currently holding favouritism. Noted 3-year-olds Frolic and Tulip are also well in the market.
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