Cecil has strong Oaks hand

Aviate’s victory in the Musidora Stakes at York this week appears to have shot her to the head of Henry Cecil’s impressive squad for the Investec Oaks.

Stablemate Timepiece was winter favourite for the Classic and despite the legendary trainer talking of her in glowing terms recently, she has lost both her races this season.

Meanwhile, Aviate remains unbeaten and Principal Role landed the Swettenham Stud Fillies’ Trial at Newbury to throw her hat back into the ring having finished only fourth in the Pretty Polly Stakes.

All three are owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah.

“We’re in a good position and it’s fortunate that all three fillies are in the same stable and Henry will be able to sort them all out,” said Teddy Grimthorpe, Abdullah’s racing manager.

“It’s very unlikely all three will run in the Oaks. This is not living gospel but Aviate would appear to be the first choice at the moment.

“Principal Role would be more of a Ribblesdale filly, but Henry still hasn’t lost faith in Timepiece.”