Flemington is your Oyster: Ciaron Maher-trained colt to find fast Lane at Flemington on Saturday

News.com.au

18-07-2025

Oyster Lane has potential to go one better after doing 'everything right' for a first-starter but win.
The promising two-year-old colt, trained by Ciaron Maher, hunted up along the rail at Caulfield on debut to find the front only to be mowed down late by the 'impressive' Sonofkirk.
Jockey John Allen said favourite Oyster Lane would be better for race day experience on Saturday at Flemington in the 1000m Two-Year-Old Handicap.
'The winner was impressive that day (last start) but he did everything right for a first starter,' Allen said.
'Obviously up the straight will be a different experience again but I'd be confident enough he should handle it.
'He's got a pretty good temperament, a good relaxed demeanour, so he should be OK.'
Oyster Lane is a $2.70 favourite from Shining Smile, an emerging Flemington straight specialist.
Shining Smile sealed a Listed-race hat-trick last campaign, including two on the Flemington straight.
The Group 3-placed colt trained by Lindsay Park is $3.60 second favourite.
Phillip Stokes -trained Bold Secret ($4.80) should also go well after slick trial performances.
Allen said Oyster Lane improved out of the Caulfield debut.
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'The experience (is important), generally two year olds, if they hold their form, they improve into the preparation,' Allen said.
'He seems to have come out of the race good.
Allen has a strong grasp on Oyster Lane, having ridden the colt in multiple jump outs and education gallops.
Allen has three rides at Flemington on Saturday including Arcora in the Byerley Handicap (1800m).
The two-year-old emerging stayer has placed the past two starts behind the talented Buccleuch.
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Arcora is a $3.70 second favourite on Saturday from Bayou Music ($3.30).
Zuppa Inglese and Bermondsey round out the top four in betting.
Arcora finished nicely from back in the field first-up to run second then led and stuck on for third second-up.
'He went good the last two starts,' Allen said.
'Probably made a bit of a blue going forward last start.
'It was a hard day to lead, so he did a good job to stick on. I think the 1800m will suit.'