Michael Manley’s best bets for Oaks Day

THE Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Al Galayel can help punters strike an early blow against the bookies at Flemington, while James Cummings is expecting a big run from Viridine.

• Cup winner already eyeing Aussie return
• Europe’s Cup warning: ‘None of you lot stay’
• Sheikh’s special call to Cup winner
• Bowman fights to have hefty ban reduced

Ciaron Maher and David Eustace don’t have a runner in the Victoria Oaks, but they could find their way into the winner’s circle with talented five-year-old Al Galayel at Flemington.

OAKS ANALYSIS: WILL VERRY ELLEEGANT BOUNCE BACK?

Maher and Eustace have found the key to Al Galayel is to space his runs, and they are reaping the rewards. The gelding won at Caulfield before having a break then returned with a close fourth to Take It Intern at Caulfield last month.

Al Galayel looks well placed to claim his fifth win, according to Herald Sun form analyst Michael Manley.

MICHAEL MANLEY’S BEST BETS

BEST BET

AL GALAYEL (R3, No.5 $5.50)

Racing in great fashion with his races being spaced apart. Three starts ago he was beaten in a photo by smart galloper in Sikandarabad over 1700m at Flemington and followed that with a win at Caulfield over Lucky For All and then a fourth at Caulfield behind Take It Intern. Looks a great each-way chance.

Al Galayel scored an impressive win at Caulfield in September. Picture: Getty Images

NEXT BEST

STRATOCASTER (R4, No.2 $5)

New Zealand grey possesses a nice finish. He’s a last-start winner at Pukekura over 1400m. Early in his career he was competitive in Group races and defeated Turn Me Loose.

BLEU ROCHE (R9, No.16 $6)

She produced amazing sectionals at The Valley last start before tiring to finish fourth behind Charge. On that occasion, her jockey Ben Melham had to get her into the race her 200m split between the 600m and the 400m of 10.97 seconds was the fastest for the meeting. If she reproduces that she’ll be hard to beat.

VERRY ELLEEGANT (R8, No.4 $4.80)

She lost favouritism for the Oaks with her fifth in the Wakeful Stakes but she finished on strongly, recording the fastest last 1600m for the meeting. A nose roll goes on — could that help her settle? If that’s the case, she’ll take beating.

Verry Elleegant will wear a nose roll in the Victoria Oaks. Picture: AAP

THE TRAINER

JAMES CUMMINGS

VIRIDINE (R6, No.2 $8.50)

“He really enjoyed a strong jumpout down the straight last week. He’s bulked up and there’s every reason to think he’ll run a big race.”

BANDIPUR (R6, No.11 $18)

“I’d say he’s primed for another consistent performance here, however, he is up against some capable opposition.”

CLOAK (R7, No.4 $21)

“He’s been battling away at his last couple and seems to have been doing too much work in his races but he’s training like a horse who should be more competitive in this race.”

WAKA (R7, No.14 $9)

“She’s a slow-maturing filly who was impressive enough winning her maiden last start. This trip looks suitable for her but I feel that she’s a filly for next year.”

GONGS (R9, No.2 $17)

“It wouldn’t surprise me if she turned this preparation right around here.”

MULTAJA (R9, No.5 $14)

“She’s enjoyed a freshen up since her run in the Tranquil Star. She looks stronger and has trained well.”