Date: Friday 6th June 2025
The Oaks has again shaped up like a race where the market probably has the answer somewhere near the top, but perhaps not in the order many expect. Nine of the last twelve winners came from the first three in the betting, but favourites themselves have a surprisingly modest recent record.
What matters most is current-season form, proven recent fitness and the ability to stay. Every recent winner had already run that season and all had raced within the previous 34 days. The Cheshire Oaks and Musidora remain powerful trial races, and fillies stepping up from a mile still need to prove they will see this out under Epsom pressure.
These are the three that come out strongest on the Turf Talk figures.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Whirl | 223 |
| Desert Flower | 219 |
| Minnie Hauk | 214 |
| Giselle | 201 |
| Elwateen | 193 |
The ratings lean slightly away from the obvious market leader and towards fillies who already look as though they will relish the full Oaks trip.
MAIN SELECTION
Minnie Hauk (9/2 available)
A serious player in her own right and one who fits the race much better than a casual glance at the market might suggest.
She comes from a yard that knows exactly what is required and has the kind of profile that often works well in this race. If the favourite does not step forward again, she looks the most likely to capitalise.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Desert Flower (13/8 available)
The obvious class filly in the race and the one the market is likely to revolve around.
Her form and rating put her right at the head of the field, but this is a very different test and she still has to prove she will be just as effective stepping up to a mile and a half at Epsom. The ability is not in question, only the fit for this exact task.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Whirl (11/2 available)
She comes out top on the figures and looks to have the right blend of recent trial form and stamina for the race.
The Musidora has been a strong route into this and she arrives with the right sort of current-season profile. She may not have the same public reputation as the market leader, but on the trends and the likely demands of the race she makes most appeal.
SUMMARY
Whirl comes out best on the recent trial and stamina profile, with Desert Flower the obvious class angle and Minnie Hauk another strong contender in a race where the market may have the answer close by but not necessarily in the right order. I do have a bit of a soft spot for Minnie Hauk adn whilst Desert Flower looks the obvious winner, I am going to have a decent each way bet on Minnie.
