Australian racing tips for November 5, 2026

Brad McGrath

Horse racing previews, form & tips

November 4, 2026

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So we arrive at the third day of the Melbourne Cup carnival with our bankroll intact after the brilliant Melbourne Cup win by Point Of Law on Tuesday.

The highlight on Thursday at Flemington is, of course, the VRC Oaks, a Group 1 race over 2500 metres for three-year-old fillies in which the unbeaten Proxima Dea will go around as a short-priced favourite.

De Armas has been well backed following her impressive win in the Wakeful last weekend, and then there is Icelady at about $7, and that’s where the chances end if you believe the bookies, with the next chance in the market Quick Finish at double figure odds with a big gap to the rest.

The Oaks has been a good race for favourites in recent years, winning four of the past five runnings, though it’s only 10 years since the memorable 100-1 win by Lasqueti Spirit thanks to a dashing front-running ride by Brenton Avdulla.

So should we expect the favourites to duke it out down the long Flemington straight or can one of the lightly raced but highly talented brigade spring a surprise.

Our racing team has run the rule over the Crown Oaks field as well as a couple of the best support races on the Ladies’ Day card to find you some value runners.

Read on for our best bets of the day for Thursday, November 5, 2026.

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Group 3 Crown Red Roses Stakes (1100m)

This sprint for three-year-old fillies precedes the main race of the day and they will be rolling along in this with pleny of pacy types. It’s a tough race to line-up with some of the fillies having as few as one start under their belts so we are not too keen on taking the short odds about (3) Sequinned. No knock on her form, we just fear there may be a few smokeys ready to emerge on the big stage here. (6) Semantics has had only two starts and her best is yet to come, while (2) Scintillation has been ultra-consistent and is yet to miss a place in six starts. Scintillation should race right on the speed for Zac Lloyd and could be fitter again for this contest. (5) Lady Catalina is one to watch at big odds..

Brad McGrath tips: 2,3,6,5. Best bet: Scintillation each-way and stand her out in quinellas.

Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m)

(1) Proxima Dea has not put a hoof wrong in five starts to date and she shapes as though 2500m won’t be a problem for her. She won the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick last start against the boys and the only downside for her here is that she has drawn near the outside. She has tactical speed and a red-hot jockey in Zac Lloyd and will likely zoom forward at the star. Her main rival (4) De Armas has drawn the rails for James McDonald and should settle in the first half-dozen just in behind the speed. (8) Your Colour was bitterly disappointing last time but she is worh another chance and if there is to be a boilover our money is that she is in the one to delive it. (6) Salann is a maiden filly but has been hitting the line over shorter distances and could add value to multiples. (2) Icelady led and boxed on well last start and she might do better with a smother off the pace for Cup hero Ethan Brown..

Brad McGrath tips: 2,1,8,4. Best bet: Icelady each-way at nice odds.

Listed G.H.Mumm Century Stakes (1000m)

(1) Rey Magnerio is the most accomplished sprinter here and should be rattling home late, though the course he charts will be interesting given the inside draw. (11) Stokke excels at the track and distance and seems over the odds at around $14, while (7) Ice Kool is four out of five at the distance and should be ahead of the favourite Rey Magnerio in the run, stalking the leaders. (3) Bev’s Nine is a speedy type with a great record. (14) I’m Foxing can be forgiven one failure and should be running on stoutly..

Brad McGrath tips: 1,7,14,3. Best bet: Rey Magnerio has class on his side.