Arnie Bowden might have assumed he'd be in for a heart-pumping experience when he headed to Flemington to watch his mare Atmospherical step out on Oaks Day.

But the veteran Kembla bookie could never have expected it might lead to a visit to the hospital before raceday had even begun.

After flying down to Victoria on Wednesday following a lengthy shift in the betting ring on Melbourne Cup day at Kembla Grange, Bowden realised things weren't quite how they should be.

"I had no pulse and no blood pressure, so they carted me out of the casino and took me to the hospital and put strips all over me," he said.

"They couldn't find anything wrong with me and after about 10.30pm the blood pressure and heart rate came back," Bowden said.

Bowden was given the all clear to depart before racing had begun on the penultimate day of the Spring Carnival at Flemington.

It allowed the local owner to make his way to the track to watch Atmospherical compete in the race prior to the Crown Oaks.

And he was not to be disappointed.

The David Pfieffer trained mare took her place in the Dilmah Grey Earl Stakes (1000m) with star jockey James McDonald aboard.

He positioned Atmospherical just off the speed before quickly putting paid to her rivals at the 200m mark and charged clear for a 1½ length win.

"It was unbelievable. The mare travelled good and was fabulous on the day," Bowden said.

"She ran [fast] sectionals and James said he knew he was going to win at the 400m.

"She ran 32.66 for the last 600m, which was the fastest of the carnival.

"It was a massive day and fabulous fun."