Wonder Of Wonders has pedigree to be a Classic heroine
For that reason and ever since that success, the stoutly-bred Godolphin filly has been a short-priced favourite for today’s Epsom Oaks.
This afternoon we’ll get a greater understanding of the value of that form but, even if I don’t think much of it as a 1000 Guineas renewal, I acknowledge it is Classic form and it might be good enough in what looks a tricky Oaks contest. That said, I would have no interest in getting involved in the filly at a short price.
Aidan O’Brien appears to hold a very strong hand with Cheshire Oaks winner Wonder Of Wonders and Irish 1000 Guineas champ Misty For Me heading his team. The former found plenty of trouble in running when beaten on her seasonal debut but made up for it with a smooth success in a Tipperary maiden followed by an improved effort at Chester.
Her form amounts to little in comparison to the Group 1 form on offer elsewhere but she’s one of the few we can say with some certainty will enjoy the trip. She’s also very progressive and her dam, All Too Beautiful, finished second behind Ouija Board in this race.
Misty For Me ran no sort of race in the Newmarket 1000 Guineas but she showed her class when taking the Irish equivalent. Her dam line suggests she’ll struggle with the trip but the more I watch the Irish Guineas, the more I think that stamina gained the day.
She raced to the fore throughout that race but Together swept past her about a furlong from home. The last-named looked home and hosed at that stage but Misty For Me battled back to win a shade cosily. She should stay further than a mile but this is a whole half-mile further and whether or not it will be within her range is difficult to ascertain.
Michael Stoute’s Havant was sixth in the English 1000 Guineas but prior to that race there were plenty of concerns emanating from her Newmarket stable. The ground was thought too fast and the trip too short. Perhaps that’s how it proved but it’s hard to get away from the fact that she was a shade disappointing.
In recent weeks there hasbeen plenty of money for Dancing Rain but I have doubts about her stamina. She was touched off by Izzi Top last time out and, despite what the market says, I expect that rival to confirm the form today.
Siren’s Song didn’t race last season but she’s been quick to make up into a very useful filly. My fear for her is that is a massive step up in class and she might be taken off her feet. Trained by Irish Examiner columnist Jessica Harrington, she won her maiden with something to spare and has the look of a filly capable of developing to this sort of level. However, that latest effort left me thinking she might need more time.
The unbeaten Zain Al Boldan warrants mention as she won the Lingfield Oaks Trial with any amount in hand. It was a pretty poor renewal but she danced in and remains something of an unknown quantity.
Beatrice Aurore is an outsider I think could run a big race. She may not have the requisite class but she’s improving at an eye-catching rate and her latest victory proved she possess a fine turn of pace. Her breeding suggests she’ll get the trip and she has a nice draw to operate from.
I can see her sitting just in behind the pace and still being well in contention turning for home. It’s only from that point that we’ll discover if she has the class for this level but I wouldn’t put anyone off having an each-way interest at around 20-1.
However, Wonder Of Wonders, despite a poor draw, looks the one to be on. She showed class and versatility around Chester’s tight bends and she has the pedigree to be a Classic heroine. She has a nice turn of pace, can sustain her run and will relish every yard of the trip. She might need to improve a shade on what she has achieved so far but I find it hard to see her out of the frame.
