By Daithi Harvey
The G1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York next Thursday is shaping up into a thrilling contest with the winners of the Epsom, French and Irish Oaks each among the 11 fillies that have stood their ground for the mile and a half race. Of the Classic winning trio of Forever Together (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Sea Of Class (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Laurens (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) it is only G1 Longines Prix de Diane winner Laurens that has yet to prove herself over the trip. Regardless, her trainer Karl Burke expressed himself delighted with John Dance's filly as she gave all the right signals in a workout at home on Friday. “She had her final piece of work this morning and she went as well as I've seen her, to be honest,” Burke said. “We're very happy with her. She'll have a pipe-opener on Tuesday and that will be it, we're really looking forward to the race.” Although not particularly cheap at the time when bought for £220,000 as a yearling at Goffs UK last year Laurens has proved not only a phenomenal investment but a joy to own and watch. From only seven runs she has toughed out five wins and two seconds for prize-money of over £1.1-million to date and she has been a credit to the handling of her trainer.
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