Star sprinter Chautauqua is among the headliners in the early betting with TAB for the spring's big Group One races - Crown Oaks, Manikato Stakes and Darley Classic.
Chautauqua is the clear favorite in the Manikato ($2.70) and Darley Classic ($2.80) while Harlow Gold ($5.00) is on the first line of betting in the Oaks.
“If favorite backers could bet on one race each year it would be the VRC Oaks - it's the race where money talks and punters smile,” says TAB’s Nick Quinn. “This year looks much more open and at this stage there does not look to be a dominant filly.
“The Manikato Stakes is one of the most intriguing races of the spring with the new kids on the block up against the seasoned sprinting stars in Chautauqua and Buffering.
“Chautauqua won the race in breathtaking fashion last year, while Buffering enjoyed his breakthrough Group 1 victory in this event in 2013.
“2014 winner Lankan Rupee is also nominated, but is unlikely to compete.
“The Darley Classic is to spring racing what the Cox Plate is to the middle distance champions and looking at the nominations it is easy to see why.
“Chautauqua was beaten in the race as an odds-on favourite last year, but plenty of punters will be backing him to be victorious this year.”
TAB.com.au prices
Crown Oaks
$5.00 Harlow Gold
$7.00 Awoke
$7.00 Omei Sword
$7.00 Skylight Glow
$7.00 Yankee Rose
$9.00 Foxplay
$9.00 Leotie
$13 Eleonora
$13 Excoet
$13 Samara Dancer
$13 Sezanne
$13 Whispering Brook
$17+ Others Quoted
Manikato Stakes
$2.70 Chautauqua
$7.50 Astern
$7.50 English
$11 Buffering
$11 Capitalist
$11 Fell Swoop
$11 Lucky Hussler
$15 Holler
$15 Lankan Rupee
$15 Turn Me Loose
$17+ Others Quoted
Darley Classic
$2.80 Chautauqua
$8.50 English
$9.00 Astern
$11 Buffering
$11 Fell Swoop
$11 Lucky Hussler
$13 Capitalist
$13 Flying Artie
$15 Extreme Choice
$15 Lankan Rupee
$17+ Others Quoted