Punters are flocking toward the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained filly Point Barrow, who is set to launch her autumn campaign with a bold Group 1 attempt against the seasoned sprinters in the 2026 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield this Saturday.

Tropicus is one of the major players racing first-up in the 2026 Oakleigh Plate this weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Blue Diamond Day serves as a major pillar of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival, offering a triple-header of Group 1 features.

While much of the attention remains on the 56th running of the Blue Diamond Stakes for the juveniles, the $750,000 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) remains a critical destination for the nation’s premier speedsters.

With 14 final acceptors, the race serves as a high-speed launchpad for those targeting events like the TJ Smith Stakes in Sydney later this April.

Currently heading the market at Ladbrokes is the untapped Point Barrow ($3.10).

A three-year-old daughter of Blue Point, she has seen her price firm consistently throughout the week.

The filly appears exceptionally well-placed under the handicap conditions, carrying a mere 50kg with jockey Jamie Melham booked for the ride.

With four wins from just six starts, Point Barrow hasn’t been seen since her dominant display in the Group 3 Red Roses at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Following two impressive trial performances, expectations are high that she can defy the historical struggles of three-year-old fillies in this race and become the first of her kind to win the Oakleigh Plate since Miss Kournikova back in 2001.

The primary threat to the favorite’s return is her own stablemate, Tropicus ($7.00).

Partnered by big-race specialist Craig Williams, the four-year-old entire by Too Darn Hot is a certified Caulfield specialist, boasting an enviable track record of three wins and a second from five starts at the venue.

Tropicus is a proven first-up performer, having previously won the Group 3 The Heath over this course and distance in blistering time.

His spring form was equally meritorious, including a narrow second to Giga Kick in the Schillaci Stakes and a respectable sixth in the Champions Sprint.

While he must contend with 58.5kg, his two recent trials at Mornington suggest he is ready to use his tactical speed to find a prominent position early.

The only other runner currently under double-figure odds is the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained Gallant Son ($8.50).

Unlike his resuming rivals, this four-year-old son of Written Tycoon possesses a significant fitness advantage as he chases a hat-trick of victories.

After securing a BM70 at Flemington and a gritty BM84 win over this track and trip, he now steps into the deep end of Group 1 company.

He benefits from a massive weight drop—falling from 56.5kg to 52kg—and has secured the “dream” draw in barrier three for apprentice Luke Cartwright.

For those hunting for value further down the betting line, the Gavin Bedggood-trained Hedged ($16) stands out despite being assigned the 59kg topweight.

History suggests the weight is a significant hurdle, as Flamberge (58kg in 2016) is the only winner to carry more than 57kg to victory since the turn of the millennium.

Nonetheless, Hedged remains in peak form, having won the Australia Stakes before a fighting third in the Rubiton Stakes.

Other notable contenders in the mix include former Tasmanian star Geegees Mistruth ($11), the well-handicapped Persian Spirit ($12), and the Hayes-trained Rubiton winner Oak Hill ($19) who remains a knockout hope at a long price.

The 2026 Oakleigh Plate is scheduled to jump as Race 9 at 4:55 pm (AEDT) on Saturday’s 10-race program.

2026 Oakleigh Plate Field & Barriers

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