Sixteen Fillies Remain In Oaks

Rhododendron remains on target for The Oaks | Racing Post

By

Both the G1 Coronation Cup and the G1 Investec Oaks next Friday form an exciting prelude to the following day's G1 Investec Derby at Epsom and sixteen fillies remain in the season's third British Classic at this latest stage. Aidan O'Brien is responsible for six of these with G1 QIPCO 1000 runner up Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) probably the lead Ballydoyle challenger. John Gosden could have a pair of likely candidates in Listed Cheshire Oaks winner Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and also Coronet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) who finished third to Sobetsu (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary at Deauville recently. Sobetsu could also take her chance for Godolphin while second season sire Nathaniel could also be represented by the Roger Charlton trained Natavia (GB), winner of a listed race at Newbury May 20.

Ralph Beckett has already trained two Oaks winners and he could be represented by Isabel De Urbina (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) who was narrowly beaten by Horseplay (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in the Listed Pretty Polly S. at Newmarket May 7. Beckett is aware of the task the awaits the filly and commented, “I have left Isabel De Urbina in the Investec Oaks and we will make a decision early next week. She galloped on Tuesday and has trained well since Newmarket, although it is shaping up to be the strongest Oaks since Sariska beat Midday in 2009.”

As expected Kenny McPeek's Daddys Lil Darling (Scat Daddy) remains on target while Irish challengers such as Intricately (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), Bean Feasa (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Hydrangea (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Asking (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) are all firstly engaged in Sunday's G1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas at The Curragh.

Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.

Copy Article Link

X

Never miss another story from the TDN

Click Here to sign up for a free subscription.