Kennedy Oaks Tips, Best Bets, Field & Odds

The Group 1 Kennedy Oaks (2500m) will be held at Flemington on Thursday, November 5 and Bettingpro.com.au provides you with a comprehensive guide to the race.

The VRC Oaks 2026 — also known as the Crown Oaks (and formerly the Kennedy Oaks) — is the great staying Classic for three-year-old fillies. It’s a $1 million Group 1 over 2500m at Flemington on Oaks Day, Thursday 5 November 2026. This is our complete guide: the 2026 date and start times, Oaks Day, the field, tips and best bets, live odds, the form guide, how to watch, past winners and FAQs — updated all carnival with the latest field, odds and our best bets.

The VRC Oaks 2026: Key Details

Detail	Value
Race	VRC Oaks / Crown Oaks (Group 1)
Date	Thursday 5 November 2026 (Oaks Day)
Start time	~4:00pm AEDT (confirmed race week)
Venue	Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
Distance	2500m
Conditions	Group 1, set weights, 3yo fillies
Prize money	$1 million (winner $600,000)
Broadcast	Channel 7 / 7plus, Racing.com, Sky Racing + bookmaker streams

 

When is the VRC Oaks & What Time?

The VRC Oaks is run on Oaks Day — the third day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival, the Thursday after the Melbourne Cup. In 2026 that’s Thursday 5 November, with the Oaks jumping in the afternoon (approximately 4:00pm AEDT; the exact time is confirmed race week). Local start times by state:

State	Local start time
VIC / NSW / ACT / TAS	~4:00pm AEDT
Queensland	~3:00pm AEST
South Australia	~3:30pm ACDT
Northern Territory	~2:30pm ACST
Western Australia	~1:00pm AWST

 

Oaks Day & the Crown / Kennedy Oaks Name

Oaks Day is the carnival’s famous “Ladies Day” — fillies on the track and Fashions on the Field off it — and the VRC Oaks is its centrepiece. The race is officially the VRC Oaks but is run under sponsor names: it was the Kennedy Oaks from 2018 and reverted to the Crown Oaks in 2024, which is why you’ll see all three names. As a 2500m test for three-year-old fillies it’s also a genuine staying Classic — a pointer to the autumn fillies’ features and, for the very best, a future Cups campaign.

The VRC Oaks 2026 Field & Barrier Draw

The Oaks is restricted to three-year-old fillies at set weights, so it’s all about which stayer has come through the spring best. Over 2500m at Flemington stamina is at a premium and the barrier matters less than a fair run and a strong staying pedigree. The field firms after the key lead-ups on Derby Day. Check back for the confirmed 2026 field and barriers.

VRC Oaks Tips, Best Bets & Predictions

Our tipsters post their VRC Oaks best bets and value selections once the field and barriers are confirmed. A 2500m fillies’ Classic rewards proven staying form, a strong Wakeful Stakes or Oaks-trial run, and a pedigree that screams two miles in the making. Win and each-way are the staples, with the exotics worth chasing in a field that can be hard to split. Bookmark this page for our final selections.

How to Bet on the VRC Oaks

All the standard markets apply — win and each-way, plus exotics (quinella, exacta, trifecta and first-four). Futures open as the spring fillies’ races are run. Prices vary between bookmakers, so always compare and take the best available — see our toplist below.

VRC Oaks Odds & Favourites

VRC Oaks markets firm through Cup week as the field is confirmed. It has been a favourite-friendly race of late — She’s Extreme ($2.30), Zardozi ($2.70) and Treasurethe Moment ($3.10) all saluted as the elect — but a strongly run staying test for lightly raced fillies can still throw up a roughie. For live VRC Oaks odds and the best price on every runner, compare the bookmakers below.

VRC Oaks Form Guide

The key Oaks lead-up is the Wakeful Stakes (2000m on Derby Day), the traditional pointer, along with the Edward Manifold and Ethereal Stakes and interstate Oaks form. Look for a filly getting stronger through her runs with a staying pedigree, and respect proven Group form over the well-bred newcomers. The VRC Oaks is part of the Melbourne Cup Carnival alongside the Mackinnon Stakes and the Champions Sprint.

VRC Oaks Recent Winners & 2025 Result

The 2025 VRC Oaks was won by Strictly Business, who beat The Pearls and After Summer. Recent winners:

Year	Winner	Note
2025	Strictly Business	Beat The Pearls & After Summer
2024	Treasurethe Moment	$3.10 fav (Damian Lane)
2023	Zardozi	$2.70 fav (J McDonald)
2022	She’s Extreme	$2.30 fav
2021	Willowy	Damien Oliver

 

History & Background

First run in 1861, the VRC Oaks is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious races for three-year-old fillies — the fillies’ equivalent of the Victoria Derby. Champions including Light Fingers, Surround, Miss Finland and Samantha Miss have won it, and it remains the defining staying Classic of the spring for the next generation of broodmares. Run on Oaks Day, it’s a highlight of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

How to Watch the VRC Oaks (Live Stream & TV)

Oaks Day is shown free-to-air on Channel 7 and 7plus, plus Racing.com and Sky Racing, and you can live stream the race free with most licensed Australian bookmakers once your account is funded. Replays go up on Racing.com shortly after.

Best Bookmakers for the VRC Oaks

For a full comparison of the top Australian racing bookmakers — best odds, futures and live streaming — see our best horse racing betting sites in Australia guide.

VRC Oaks FAQs

When is the VRC Oaks 2026?

Oaks Day — Thursday 5 November 2026 — at Flemington, over 2500m for three-year-old fillies.

Is the VRC Oaks the same as the Crown Oaks or Kennedy Oaks?

Yes. The race is officially the VRC Oaks; it was sponsored as the Kennedy Oaks from 2018 and reverted to the Crown Oaks in 2024.

What time is the VRC Oaks?

Mid-afternoon — approximately 4:00pm AEDT — with the exact jump time confirmed race week.

How much is the VRC Oaks worth?

$1 million, with the winner earning $600,000.

Who won the 2025 VRC Oaks?

Strictly Business, beating The Pearls and After Summer.

What distance is the VRC Oaks?

2500m, set weights, for three-year-old fillies only.

How can I watch the VRC Oaks?

Free-to-air on Channel 7 and 7plus, plus Racing.com and Sky Racing, with free live streams via most bookmakers.