Smarterthanuthink ended a mini losing run for my selection by making all at Hamilton, while we also had a winner at Sandown’s evening meeting thanks to Kensington Oval. The latter shaped like a very promising colt on his racecourse debut.
The main attraction tomorrow is of course the Oaks Epsom (4.05) . Lush Lashes was a most impressive winner of the Musidora and was not stopping at the finish. He is a worthy favourite and it would not surprise me greatly if he were to win. Although Cape Amber was beaten 5 lengths when runner up to Lush Lashes it was her seasonal debut and she had earlier suffered a training interruption. She can be expected to come on for that run. Michita won the Height of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood which in the past has been a fair guide to the Oaks. Clowance has won her last 2 starts and Frankie Dettori replaced the usual pilot, Steve Drowne. Aiden O’Brien has won 3 of the last 10 runnings so his challenger Adored has to be considered. She won a Group 3 at Naas in mid May but I am not sure that the form is strong enough to win an Oaks. The unbeaten Chinese White has the pedigree to win an Oaks. She would have to step up considerably on what she has done so far but it is not impossible that she may do so. Katiyra was 2nd to the subsequent Irish Guineas 3rd Carribean Sunset over a mile at Leopardstown. She was staying on well at the finish and this longer trip should be to her liking. Her trainer John Oxx is a very shrewd operator and has his string in good form. Look Here didn’t get an entirely trouble free passage when 2nd in the Lingfield Trial and is a lively outsider.
The way that I view this race is that it looks to be between the three pronged Irish Challenge of Lush Lashes, Katiyra and Chinese White, against the UK trio of Cape Amber, Clowance and Michita. Lush Lashes is rather a short price as there is just a slight stamina doubt. . Michita could be the each way value at 10/1.
It is hard to get away from Getaway in the Coronation Cup at 3.25 after his win in the Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket and he would be my selection.
Charlie Tokyo is at his best when the mud is flying and would be one to look out for in the 2.10 if getting his ground. Dream Lodge put in a good run at Chester last time out and he could also go well in this.
Film Maker represents our list to follow in the 4.50 and has an each way chance at around 8/1.
At Bath there are good reports about Barry Hill’s Majestic Lady in the 6.25, while Peruvian Prince, who narrowly failed at York the other day, can gain compensation in the Doncaster 7.40.
Trip the Light runs under a penalty6 in the 8.15 at Doncaster. He won a small race at Redcar last time over 14 furlongs. He drops down to a mile and a half here but may still be competitive.
Sagara was 3rd in the Arc last season and looks the sort to improve with age. He looks the one to be on in the 7.20 at Goodwood although Speed Gifted, whatever he does tomorrow also looks one to keep on the right side.
Back at Bath I fancy top weight Sweet Afton in the 8.35.
Picture by kind permission of Lisa Miller – equestrian artist (see links)
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