The horse racing broadcaster examines the runners and riders for the big race at Epsom on Friday and makes his selections.
The Oaks on Friday is the third Classic of the campaign. Can Godolphin continue their domination or will the massed ranks of Coolmore spoil the party? Here is a runner-by-runner guide for the Epsom line up.
DESERT FLOWER 6/4 Unbeaten in five starts, including the 1000 Guineas on her reappearance where she disposed of her rivals in a businesslike rather than spectacular fashion. The main queries are regarding her stamina and whether any of the three O’Brien runners will try and disrupt her rhythm. She was, however, very strong at the finish of the Fillies Mile at two and can give Charlie Appleby the one UK Classic that has so far eluded him. *****
ELWATEEN 9/1 Supplemented for £30,000 as a substitute for the same owners as Falakeyah, she was having only her second run when fourth behind Desert Flower in the Guineas. The rest were all in a bit of a heap, though, and considerably more is needed here. Her dam won at Group 1 level but only up to 10f so there are stamina questions as well. **
GISELLE 10/1 Was a shorter price than Whirl and the choice of Ryan Moore when promoted to third behind her at the Curragh last October. She can race keenly and a hood was fitted for her reappearance at Lingfield, where she justified favouritism from two inferior rivals. She does have a slightly gawky head carriage, which does raise question marks as to how she will handle the camber and Ryan deserts her for Minnie Hauk. ***
GO GO BOOTS 40/1 Well held behind Whirl in the Musidora (1m 2 1/2f) where she got involved in an unnecessary barging match with a rival. Her dam won the Lingfield Oaks Trial before finishing 3rd in the Ribblesdale but she was beaten nearly 6 lengths by Whirl at York and it could be even further over this trip. **
MINNIE HAUK 5/1 No queries about her stamina after her grinding victory at Chester in the Listed Cheshire Oaks where she was pushed along at times and did not look in love with the track. The bigger question is what she beat that day and this represents her first foray into Group company so she would have to step forward again to be in at the finish. Is the choice of Ryan Moore though. ***
QILIN QUEEN 33/1 Very much had the run of the race at Newbury just lasting home from Revoir under a really well-judged Holly Doyle ride. The form of the stable is a big plus but that surely won’t be enough here, and she is readily passed over. *
REVOIR 9/1 Just failed to catch Qilin Queen at Newbury on only her second career start and is confidently expected to reverse that form. She seems versatile as to conditions after winning on heavy ground at Nottingham at the back end of last season and comes from a family that has served both owner and trainer well and includes the 2008 winner Look Here who was also having her 3rd career run that day. She can at least make the frame. ****
WEMIGHTAKEDLONGWAY 14/1 No match for the boys in the Ballysax but handled soft ground well next time at Navan when making all. Any rain this week will be in her favour but it is hard to see her being good enough to win though she could hit the frame at a big price. ***
WHIRL 9/2 Took a big step forward in a strongly run Musidora where she galloped on really strongly. She finds plenty for pressure as shown with her Group 3 Curragh victory last October (Giselle behind) where she looked certain to be swamped. The greater the emphasis on stamina the better her chances of outlasting the classier Desert Flower and to my mind looks her main opponent though Ryan Moore chooses Minnie Hauk. ****
CONCLUSION
1. Desert Flower
2. Whirl
3. Revoir
4. Wemightakedlongway
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