Savethelastdance – With a Timeform rating of 129p, Savethelastdance is the top-rated horse in this field. She demonstrated exceptional form when winning the Cheshire Oaks by a massive 22 lengths. Although the heavy ground may have played a part in that victory, her performance was still highly impressive, and she is considered the one to beat in this race.
- Aidan O’Brien on Savethelastdance: Aidan O’Brien expresses his satisfaction with Savethelastdance’s performance at Chester, where she won the Cheshire Oaks impressively. He highlights the fact that her pedigree suggests she may not handle soft ground, but she coped well with it at Chester. This suggests that she has the ability to adapt to different ground conditions. O’Brien’s excitement about her performance on different ground indicates that she has the potential to deliver an impressive performance in this race.
Soul Sister – Soul Sister, with a Timeform rating of 128p, is another strong contender. She showcased her ability with a dominant 4-length victory in the Group 3 Musidora at York. With her pedigree suggesting that she can stay the 1m4f distance, she is likely to be a serious threat to the favourite.
- Thady Gosden on Soul Sister: Thady Gosden acknowledges that Soul Sister struggled on heavy ground in her return race at Newbury. However, he emphasizes her class by pointing out her victory in the Musidora, where she enjoyed the step up in trip and better ground. This indicates that Soul Sister is better suited to firmer ground, and with the track and step up to a mile and a half expected to suit her, she is a strong contender.
Running Lion – Rated at 127p by Timeform, Running Lion has shown consistent improvement in her recent races, including a 4½-length win in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket. With a progressive profile and the ability to handle different ground conditions, she should be in the mix for a top finish.
- Thady Gosden on Running Lion: Thady Gosden praises Running Lion’s attitude and improvement throughout her racing career. He highlights her victory in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket and her positive gallops experience at Epsom, suggesting that she handled the track well. This indicates that Running Lion has progressed well and is in good form leading up to the race, making her a horse to watch for another strong performance.
Eternal Hope – Rated at 117p, Eternal Hope has performed well in her last two starts, winning the Lingfield Oaks Trial by 1¾ lengths. Although she is yet to race on turf, her promising performances on the all-weather suggest that she could be a factor in this race.
- Charlie Appleby on Eternal Hope: Charlie Appleby emphasizes Eternal Hope’s continuous improvement since her debut in a Wolverhampton novice race in February. He mentions her trial win at Lingfield, a track known for testing a horse’s ability to handle sharp bends. Appleby believes that the track at Epsom, which presents a similar challenge, should not pose a problem for Eternal Hope. This indicates that Eternal Hope has the necessary adaptability and physical progress to be considered a strong contender in the Oaks.
Based on the ratings and the additional comments, Savethelastdance and Soul Sister are the top-ranked horses with exceptional chances. Savethelastdance’s dominant victory in the Cheshire Oaks and Soul Sister’s impressive win in the Musidora make them the ones to beat in this prestigious Group 1 race. Running Lion and Eternal Hope also have the potential to challenge for a top finish based on their recent form.
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