![Unbeaten filly Proxima Dea has emerged as a leading VRC Oaks contender after a thrilling win over older horses at Rosehill. [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2352133.jpg)
The money is flowing ahead of Oaks Day at Flemington, with TAB reporting several significant market moves and a string of big bets ahead of day three of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Last-start Spring Champion Stakes winner Proxima Dea is set to jump a dominant favourite in the VRC Oaks (2500m), with punters keen to stick with the filly.
That form received a significant boost on Derby Day when Stormy Marco, who came through the Spring Champion Stakes, claimed the Victoria Derby.
TAB has reported a $10,000 bet on Proxima Dea at $2.60, along with another $2,000 wager at $2.40.
But while Proxima Dea is attracting the big money, some of the most dramatic moves have come elsewhere on the card.
Rosa Aotearoa: $61 into $7.50
The most extraordinary move on the Oaks Day program belongs to Rosa Aotearoa, trained by emerging Pakenham horseman Reece Goodwin.
The gelding has been backed from a staggering $61 into just $7.50., coming off a last-start second on Bendigo Cup Day It’s comfortably the biggest move at a price on the card, with the market suggesting punters are expecting a big performance.
Another Pakenham trained runner, Wetumpka, has also attracted support in Race 6, firming from $14 into $8.
Sequinned: $3.40 into $1.85
The lethal Chris Waller and James McDonald combination teams up with progressive filly Sequinned in Race 7, and punters have launched into the dominant last-start winner.
Sequinned has been crunched from $3.40 into $1.85, a massive move even allowing for 14 cents in deductions.
TAB has reported a $5,500 bet at $1.95 and another $3,000 wager struck at $2.90.
It’s one of the strongest moves on the program, with punters clearly expecting the filly to continue her winning ways.
Spex: $17 into $8.50
There’s been significant support at a longer price for Aaron Laing-trained Spex in the opener.
The daughter of Bivouac has been backed from $17 into $8.50, with the opening quote effectively halved ahead of the first race.
Cavalry Girl: $2.60 into $2.25
Tom Dabernig and Prime Thoroughbreds combined for a dominant victory with Shadavar earlier in the carnival, and punters are backing the combination to strike again.
Last-start winner Cavalry Girl has firmed from $2.60 into $2.25 in the get-out stakes, with TAB reporting a $3,500 bet at $2.30.
More Oaks Day market support
There has been no shortage of support elsewhere on the card.
You’re Not The King has firmed from $3.70 into $2.40 in Race 2, while Sass Appeal has been heavily backed from $2.50 into $1.65 in Race 4.
Perisher has shortened from $3.30 into $2.30 in Race 5, with a $2,000 bet reported at $2.60.
In the Oaks itself, De Armas has attracted plenty of interest, firming from $4.60 into $2.90. TAB has reported a $5,000 all-in wager at $4 and another $3,000 bet at $3.20.
Tharwa has also attracted a sizeable all-in wager, with $3,933 placed at $8.
Early Oaks Day firmers
| Race | Runner | Was | Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 No.16 | Spex | $17 | $8.50 |
| R2 No.14 | You’re Not The King | $3.70 | $2.40 |
| R4 No.2 | Sass Appeal | $2.50 | $1.65 |
| R5 No.9 | Perisher | $3.30 | $2.30 |
| R6 No.5 | Rosa Aotearoa | $61 | $7.50 |
| R6 No.14 | Wetumpka | $14 | $8.00 |
| R7 No.3 | Sequinned | $3.40 | $1.85 |
| R8 No.4 | De Armas | $4.60 | $2.90 |
| R9 No.4 | Cavalry Girl | $2.60 | $2.25 |
Early Oaks Day big bets
| Race | Runner | Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| R8 | Proxima Dea | $10,000 | $2.60 |
| R7 | Sequinned | $5,500 | $1.95 |
| Oaks* | De Armas | $5,000 | $4.00 |
| Oaks* | Tharwa | $3,933 | $8.00 |
| R9 | Cavalry Girl | $3,500 | $2.30 |
| R7 | Sequinned | $3,000 | $2.90 |
| R8 | De Armas | $3,000 | $3.20 |
| R5 | Perisher | $2,000 | $2.60 |
| R8 | Proxima Dea | $2,000 | $2.40 |
