Carnival Capers: Nathan Exelby and Ben Dorries on the Queensland Oaks, scuba gear and roulette wheels

THE Courier-Mail’s racing experts Nathan Exelby and Ben Dorries preview the Queensland Oaks meeting in the latest edition of Carnival Capers.

Punters might need their scuba gear if the forecast for heavy rain is correct at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

THE Courier-Mail’s racing experts Nathan Exelby and Ben Dorries preview the Queensland Oaks meeting in the latest edition of Carnival Capers.

NATHAN: It is not often I have to open the column with praise for my sparring partner, but regrettably that’s the situation I find myself in this week. Congratulations on the Music Magnate 10,000 tip. It must have been a little surreal for you actually getting something right?

BEN: I’m a Group 1 performer. I don’t worry too much about these Listed and lower-level races. Did I mention I tipped the 10,000 quinella as well? I’m so cashed up I’ve been able to buy some scuba gear for the races on Saturday. I’ll beat you out of sight in the 400m freestyle in the Eagle Farm straight.

NATHAN: If the forecast is right you will probably be able to surf through those expensive new tunnels as well. I suppose that’s part of your vast skill set as well? Hopefully the bureau’s accuracy is similar to your overall tipping strike rate and they are wrong about Saturday. This is the biggest build-up to a Brisbane meeting there’s been for a long time and it will be a terrible shame if it’s ruined by the weather. But we have to play with the cards we’re dealt, so let’s find a winner. I’m sweating on Provocative getting a run in the Oaks. The Roses form looks even (and confusing) and she is one filly who is certain to see the trip out.

BEN: It is just about impossible having to put tips in early. But if the track is one for the ducks, Roger James’ Kiwi filly Romantic Maid has High Chaparral bloodlines so surely she will be a swimmer. Looking for value, I thought Stuart Kendrick’s colt Charnley River was over the odds in The Phoenix as I reckon he has potential and will appreciate the soft track.

NATHAN: You’ve shown your fairweather colours abandoning Bjorn and your long-range Oaks tip Imposing Lass. What did your roulette wheel come up with in the support races on Saturday? I thought Federal profiled well in the last and am banking on Jericho turning the tables on Archives.

BEN: Imposing Lass can win for sure, but a really wet track combined with the step up to 2400m worries me slightly. I thought Blueberry Hill was enticing at the odds in the Daybreak Lover, as I’m assuming she will be ridden with more patience. She is one from one on a heavy track.

NATHAN: While we might be in the dark about how Saturday will play out, the Stradbroke winner is there to be found on Saturday week. Kaepernick is the only runner engaged on Saturday that I can see having an effect on that race. He rated through the roof at Scone but is said to be a duffer on wet ground, so he faces an uphill task now. With my pre-post wager on Ghisoni now confetti I am switching to Azkadellia. She doesn’t have to improve much on last week and the softer track will suit her.

BEN: Another favourite Nathan? You just never learn.

Kiwi stayer Provocative will be a major threat in the Oaks if she gets a run. Picture: Annette Dew

Originally published as Carnival Capers: Nathan Exelby and Ben Dorries on the Queensland Oaks, scuba gear and roulette wheels