Date: Friday 31st May 2024
The Oaks often looks wide open at first glance, but the race usually rewards a filly with strong recent form, enough stamina in the pedigree and a proper level of class already on the board.
Recent trends point towards runners who have already been out this season, have placed or won on their latest start and already shown they can handle at least ten furlongs. The Cheshire Oaks and Musidora remain strong trial races, while previous Epsom experience still matters very little.
These are the three that come out strongest on the Turf Talk figures.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Ylang Ylang | 224 |
| Dance Sequence | 216 |
| Ezeliya | 205 |
| Forest Fairy | 196 |
| Rubies Are Red | 188 |
The ratings still lean towards the obvious Group-class fillies, but this race often turns into more of a stamina and balance test than a straight class contest.
MAIN SELECTION
Ylang Ylang (11/8 available)
She comes out top on the ratings and has the strongest juvenile class profile in the race.
Her Group 1 form gives her a major edge on the bare figures and she has the level of ability that often carries a filly a long way in this race. The main question is not class but whether she settles and fully sees out the trip in a truly-run Oaks.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Dance Sequence (7/1 available)
A filly with plenty going for her and one who makes strong appeal on the main trends.
She arrives with the right seasonal preparation, enough class to be competitive and looked the type who could improve again for this step up in trip. She may not be as flashy as the favourite, but her profile is very solid.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Ezeliya (13/2 available)
Not quite as fashionable as the front two in the market, but one who fits the race very well.
She has the right recent run, the right level of form and looks likely to appreciate the test. In a race where the market often gets the top few broadly right but not always in the correct order, she makes plenty of sense.
SUMMARY
Ylang Ylang heads the ratings on pure class, with Dance Sequence looking one of the strongest on the race trends and Ezeliya another who appeals as a filly likely to stay and improve for the test.
