Oxford Poet is poised for a second-consecutive black type win, when the talented gelding lines up for the Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse on Saturday.

Oxford Poet (pink silks) leads Zin Zan Eddie (yellow cap) in 2016 Winter Challenge betting markets. Photo: Steve Hart

That’s the tale of the tape in 2016 Winter Challenge betting markets with leading online bookie Ladbrokes.com.au, where the five-year-old has been installed as an outright $4 favourite for success.

Oxford Poet has been a standout performer for Wyong-based trainer Kim Waugh throughout his entire racing career so far; posting five wins and a further twelve minors through a total of twenty-two competitive starts.

Resuming this time for second in the talent-rich Wilson Asset Management Handicap (1100m) on May 28^th, the Dylan Thomas gelding ran third in the Listed June Stakes (1100m) at Randwick on June 11^th.

Luckless in transit when fifth in the Listed Civic Stakes (1350m) on July 2^nd, Oxford Poet mustered an impressive turn of foot to find the line a half-length in the clear of closest rival Zin Zan Eddie last time out.

Oxford Poet is drawn ideally into the Winter Challenge field in barrier 6 and will be partnered by in-form and last start hoop Tim Clark.

Punters have continued to rally around Zin Zan Eddie in 2016 Winter Challenge betting markets; seeing the gelding’s quote in from odds of $5.50 to currently figure as outright $4.40 second-favourite and clear market mover.

Winner of the Listed Carrington Stakes (1400m) in January, Zin Zan Eddie clearly required a run to find form when returning from a freshen-up for tenth in the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) on April 16^th.

Failing to fire in the Winter Dash (1200m) on June 25^th, the Zizou gelding was sent for a trial, before returning for second in the Winter Stakes a fortnight ago.

Marenostro is yet to herald much interest in 2016 Winter Challenge betting markets and while drifting, remains outright third-favourite at a quote of $6.50.

Marenostro posted a pair of nice wins in two Rosehill minors over 1400m upon resuming in May, but failed to make anything of an impression in the Can Assist Charity Racing2Win Plate (1600m) and Civic Stakes.

Having run on well for fourth in the Winter Stakes last time out, the Duelled gelding could very well receive the run of the race in Winter Challenge from barrier 3, particularly with only 56.5kgs in tow.

Godolphin runner Alegria will resume in the Rosehill feature and is more than worth consideration for a bet at Winter Challenge odds of $7.50, while stakes winner Tales Of Grimm will relish a return to 1500m and has drifted to a quote of $11.

Open an account and bet with Ladbrokes.com.au to take advantage of the best 2016 Winter Classic odds!