Buick backing Desert Flower to bloom in Oaks

Aidan O'Brien has won the showpiece event 10 times and saddles a host of trial winners in search of number 11.

NOT FOR PASSING: Desert Flower en route to an impressive victory in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket last month.  Picture: Healy Racing

The Betfred Oaks may be missing from both William Buick and Charlie Appleby's CV, but the leading rider is backing 1000 Guineas heroine Desert Flower to fill that void at Epsom on Friday.

It has been a sublime start to the summer for the handler and his number one rider, and after picking up both Classics at Newmarket last month the pair now head to the Surrey Downs with an exceptional chance to continue their hot streak in racing's crown jewel events.