Alexandrova now the clear Oaks favourite

AIDAN O’BRIEN’S Fillies’ Mile runner-up Alexandrova has been promoted to clear favouritism for the Vodafone Oaks after a nationwide gamble.

The daughter of Sadler’s Wells, who is scheduled to reappear in the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes at York next Wednesday, has been off the track since being beaten a short head at Newmarket last September but is the new 9-2 favourite (from 7-1) with Coral for the Epsom Classic.

VC Bet also trimmed her into 5-1 from 8s, while William Hill are 4-1 from 7s, totesport 9-2 from 6s and Cashmans 5-1 from 9-1.

“The plan is to go to the Musidora with Alexandrova,” O’Brien said.

“We were very happy with her work this morning when she worked really well.”

Coral’s David Stevens said: “We understand the filly produced a sparkling piece of work on the Ballydoyle gallops this morning, which in turn prompted the rush of money we then saw. Having initially gone 6-1, and then 5-1, we were then forced to make a further change to 9-2.”

Tony Kenny, Irish spokesman for William Hill, explained the reason for his from going shortest of all at 4-1. He said: “Alexandrova was already the biggest loser in our book for the Oaks, but from around midday there was only one horse on punters’ minds.

“We opened up 7-1 this morning and that was quickly mopped up, only when we cut her to 4-1 did the interest subside.”

The filly, who has raced four times and is the winner of a Tralee maiden, is one of three O’Brien-trained entries in the totescoop6 Oaks Trial at Lingfield on Saturday.

Vodafone Oaks betting:

Coral: 9-2 Alexandrova, 9-1 Riyalma, 12-1 Confidential Lady, Nasheej, Scottish Stage, 14-1 Innocent Air, Rumplestiltskin, 16-1 Sindirana, 20-1 Bunood, Nannina, Race For The Stars, 25-1 Jewaar, Park Esteem, Reunite, Royal Proposal, Short Skirt, Snow Crystal, 33-1 bar.

VC Bet: 5-1 Alexandrova, 10-1 Confidential Lady, Riyalma, 12-1 Nasheej, Scottish Stage, Innocent Air, 16-1 Sindirana, 20-1 Jewaar, 25-1 Nannina, Bunood, 33-1 bar.

William Hill: 4-1 Alexandrova, 7-1 Speciosa (with a run), 10-1 Riyalma, 12-1 Confidential Lady, Nasheej, Scottish Stage, 14-1 Chenchikova, Innocent Air, Sindirana, 20-1 Bunood, Rumplestiltskin, 25-1 Jewaar, Nannina, Race For The Stars, Reunite, Royal Proposal, Silca’s Sister, 33-1 bar.

Cashmans: 5-1 Alexandrova, 8-1 Riyalma, 10-1 Speciosa, 12-1 Confidential Lady, Scottish Stage, 14-1 Innocent Air, Nasheej, 16-1 Sindirana, 20-1 Race For The Stars, 25-1 Pure Illusion, 33-1 bar.

Totesport: 9-2 Alexandrova, 8-1 Riyalma, 10-1 Confidential Lady, 12-1 Nasheej, Scottish Stage, 14-1 Innocent Air, 16-1 Rumplestiltskin, Sindirana, 20-1 Nannina, 25-1 Bunood, Race For The Stars, Royal Proposal, Sanaya, 33-1 bar.