The G1 Queensland Oaks will retain it current format after calls were made to open the race to four year-old mares.

The Australian Pattern Committee has decided to keep the race solely for three year-old fillies.  “It’s a sensible decision as The Oaks is certainly needed to balance Queensland’s Group 1 races,” TBQA president Basil Nolan said.  “Our members voted overwhelmingly to keep the Oaks as it is.

“The Queensland Oaks is a very competitive race and statistics prove Queensland Oaks winners from 2007 – 2010 have actually gone on to outperform the winners of both the AJC and VRC Oaks.”

The Queensland Oaks has produced the likes of Ethereal, Vouvray, Eskimo Queen, Riva San, Purple and this year’s winner Scarlett Lady is a $15 second favourites for the 2011 Melbourne Cup.