Saphira's Fire set to spark in the Oaks

Willie Muir believes Saphira’s Fire deserves a shot at Classic glory in Friday’s Juddmonte Oaks at Epsom.

The Cape Cross filly was added to the field for the 12-furlong event at a cost of £20,000 on Saturday following her win in the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket.

Saphira’s Fire had previously won a maiden at Wolverhampton but Muir has plenty of faith in his filly despite her unconventional route to the Classic.

“It is a bold decision to supplement but she’s done nothing wrong and has won both of her races,” he said.

“She could be anything. Everything I have asked of her, she has done – when I stepped her up to working with my best horses, she demolished them.

“We expected her to win at Wolverhampton and then when we went straight to a Listed race, we thought she had a good chance there and she’s come on since that run.”

Saphira’s Fire worked over nine furlongs under Martin Dwyer at Epsom last week so Muir is confident she will handle the famously undulating track

“We took her to Epsom last week to see how she would come round the corner and Martin was really pleased with her and said she couldn’t have done it any better,” he added.

“She’s a filly that is so straightforward, she relaxes in her races and can take a position and travel.”

Saphira’s Fire also held an entry in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot but Muir believes she will be better suited by stepping up in trip.

“We had an entry in the Coronation so we didn’t have to supplement but she wasn’t stopping at Newmarket and Martin thought we should go forward, not drop back,” he added.

“We don’t really mind about the ground, she handled the soft at Epsom the other day but she is probably better on top of the ground.”

Saphira’s Fire is a best-priced 25-1 with Ladbrokes and totesport for the Oaks.