Fallon to partner Bikini Babe in Oaks
The former champion will partner Bikini Babe for Middleham trainer Mark Johnston.
Fallon was aboard the Montjeu filly twice at the Dubai Carnival and finished second on her to Mike de Kock’s Raihana in the UAE Oaks.
“Epsom is one of my favourite tracks in the country, I feel good riding there and I’m very confident on the track,” said Fallon. “I’ve picked up a good ride in the Oaks on Bikini Babe. I rode her in Dubai and Mark’s horses are in great form.”
While there is still no confirmation of a mount in the Derby, Fallon can at least be sure in the knowledge that he will be on Mick Channon’s Youmzain in the Coronation Cup.
He added: “He ran a great race there last year to be beaten a nose. It looks a slightly better race this year, but he’s going there in high spirits. I feel in good form and I’m there to win.”
Meanwhile Eddie Ahern is looking forward to teaming up with Timepiece in the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Friday.
He gets the leg-up on the Henry Cecil-trained filly as stable jockey Tom Queally plumped for Aviate.
Ahern partnered the latter to victory in the Musidora Stakes at York as Queally was serving a suspension.
Timepiece was beaten in her trial at Lingfield but Ahern also has a 100% record on her, having landed a Listed race at Newmarket last autumn.
“I worked her during the week and she’s in really good form. We just hope she gets to the Oaks in one piece,” said Ahern. “It was a very difficult choice for Tom (Queally) to make. I suppose at the back of his mind he’s always thinking that Mr Cecil holds Timepiece in high regard, so it was a tough one for him.
“I don’t think the track at Epsom is going to get in her way too much. The dam is by Sadler’s Wells so you would think that on the dam’s side the mile and a half would not be a problem.
“Aviate also travels well and has an electric turn of foot that she showed in the Musidora,” he said.
Aviate is favourite at a general 4-1, while Timepiece is a top-priced 7-1 as Cecil seeks his ninth Oaks triumph.
