Sariska heads Oaks dozen
Ante-post favourite Sariska heads 12 confirmations for Friday’s Investec Oaks at Epsom.
Michael Bell’s filly shot to the head of the betting for the fillies’ Classic with an authoritative display in the Musidora at York, after which her jockey Jamie Spencer likened her to a juggernaut.
Last year’s champion juvenile filly Rainbow View will be looking for redemption after trailing home only fifth in the 1000 Guineas.
Trainer John Gosden blamed the quick ground on that occasion but for many, stamina doubts surround the George Strawbridge-owned three-year-old.
Henry Cecil is in search of an incredible ninth win in the race with Midday, an impressive winner of the Lingfield Oaks Trial on her last start.
She also proved her suitability for Epsom earlier in the season when second in the Blue Riband Trial against the colts. There will not be a dry eye in the house if she can provide the Warren Place handler with a 36th Classic win.
Aidan O’Brien’s sole representative is all-the-way Cheshire Oaks winner Perfect Truth, with Jim Bolger’s Oh Goodness Me the only other Irish representative.
Barry Hills’ High Heeled, Clive Brittain’s Nashmiah and Wadaat and Sir Michael Stoute’s Phillipina are other interesting contenders.
Amanda Perrett’s Tottie represents last year’s winning owner, Julian Richmond-Watson, while The Miniver Rose and Three Moons complete the list.
A notable absentee is David Wachman’s Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Again, who was not among the acceptors at this latest entry stage.
Another who will not be lining up is John Oxx’s unbeaten Beauty O’Gwaun, with the trainer deciding her lack of experience counted against her.
“Having spoken with Beauty O’Gwaun’s owner-breeder Neil Jones last night, we have decided against running the filly in the Oaks,” Oxx told the Racing Post.
“We were always a bit concerned about her lack of experience. She has had only the two races, winning both of them, but she was still quite green when she won the Blue Wind Stakes at Naas this month.
“Her recent work didn’t send out the right signals that she had come on enough since the Naas race to be able to overcome her inexperience at Epsom.
“We’ve decided to wait a bit longer before running her again.”
