Banimpire and Snow Fairy head Oaks possibles

Royal Ascot heroine Banimpire and multiple Group One-winning mare Snow Fairy feature among the entries for the bet365 Lancashire Oaks at Haydock on Saturday.

Snow Fairy missed last weekend’s Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh on account of the testing conditions and although connections hope to see her return on Saturday, the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown is her preferred option.

The Jim Bolger-trained Banimpire is enjoying an outstanding campaign, taking her seasonal tally to five victories from seven starts in the Ribblesdale Stakes.

Other interesting contenders include Gertrude Bell, Vita Nova and Galivant, although the latter’s trainer, John Hills, does not expect her to line up at this stage.

“She’s very well and she was probably the easiest winner I’ve ever had when she won at Chepstow last time,” said Hills.

“We’re looking to step her up in class but her Haydock entry was a bit speculative and looking at the entries, it looks extremely hot.

“At this stage I would say she’s an unlikely runner and we might take her to France for a Listed race instead. She’s a galloper more than a quickener.”