Some facts about the Group One $1 million VRC Oaks (2500m) to be run at Flemington on Thursday:-

* The Classic for three-year-old fillies was first run in 1861, the same year as the inaugural Melbourne Cup, and won by Palestine.

* It was run over 12 furlongs (2400m) until 1972.

* There were only two starters in the race in 1864, 1868, 1870 and 1877.

* Notable winners include: Briseis (1876), Furious (1921), Chiquita (1949), Evening Peal (1955), Light Fingers (1964), Toltrice (1972), Denise's Joy (1975), Surround (1976), Scomeld (1978), Rose Of Kingston (1981), Research (1988), Slight Chance (1992), Grand Archway (1998), Serenade Rose (2005), Miss Finland (2006), Samantha Miss (2008) and Mosheen (2011).

* Bart Cummings is the leading trainer with nine winners while Bobbie Lewis holds the jockeys' record of seven.

* The fastest time in the race was 2:31.20, run by Hollow Bullet in 2004.

* Four horses have won the Flight Stakes-VRC Oaks double: Samantha Miss (2008), Slight Chance (1992), Research (1988) and Nizam's Ring (1947).

* Brazilian Pulse became the 34th filly to win the Wakeful Stakes-VRC Oaks double in 2010.

* Winning trainers with a runner this year: Clarry Conners - Dear Demi (Research 1988, Arborea 1993); David Hayes - Mama's Choice, Alzora and Maraatib (Miss Finland 2006); Michael Moroney - La Zuma (Brazilian Pulse 2010); Pat Carey - Gondokoro (Arapaho Miss).

* Winning jockeys with a ride this year: Jim Cassidy - Dear Demi (Diamond Shower 1986, Sandy's Pleasure 1987, Tristanagh 1989, Weekend Delight 1990); Damien Oliver - Mama's Choice (Northwood Plume 1994, Kensington Palace 1997, Special Harmony 2003); Craig Williams - Summerbliss (Miss Finland 2006, Brazilian Pulse 2010); Michael Rodd - Tyanna (Faint Perfume 2009); Corey Brown - La Zuma (Arapaho Miss 2007); Hugh Bowman - Zuccotto (Samantha Miss 2008).