Peter Moody has been forced to scratch one of his contenders from the Oakleigh Plate but the trainer still has a genuine chance to win the Group One sprint for the first time.

Last start Rubiton Stakes runner-up Flamberge was scratched from Saturday's 1100m race at Caulfield after mucus was found in his airway.

It leaves dual Group Three winner A Time For Julia as Moody's lone runner in the race and he is bullish about the mare's prospects.

Moody said A Time For Julia had been aimed at the race first-up and had impressed in her barrier trial behind Lankan Rupee and in her trackwork.

"I think she's going to be a big player on Saturday," Moody said.

A Time For Julia, who will be ridden by Glen Boss, has 52.5kg and has been a notable firmer.

The mare opened at $19 on Wednesday with the TAB and those odds have been halved.

Fellow Caulfield trainer Robert Smerdon saddles up Shamal Wind and Under The Louvre and does not believe there is a lot between the pair.

Shamal Wind is having her third attempt at the Oakleigh Plate having been unplaced for the past two years and shares the fourth line of betting at $9.50.

Under The Louvre is an $18 chance after as much as $51 was offered.

Shamal Wind, a convincing first-up winner of the Listed WJ Adams Stakes at Sandown, goes into the Oakleigh Plate with almost five weeks between runs and does her best racing when fresh.

"I think this year's running might not be as tough as a couple of other fields she has taken on (in the Oakleigh Plate)," Smerdon said.

"She's drawn out a bit but she does get back and it will give her clear galloping room in the straight.

"I think she's in as good a form as she's ever been in going into the race."

Under The Louvre, a Listed winner and Group Three placegetter over 1400m last campaign, has winkers off and blinkers on first time.

"We gave him a break and planned his program around him being here first-up with the blinkers on," Smerdon said.

"His work on Tuesday was really good. I don't think there's too much between the two horses.