Pace Angles + Draw Angles

This year’s Yorkshire Oaks lacks a standout habitual front-runner. Qilin Queen may adopt the lead again as she did when winning in France, while Garden Of Eden has been ridden prominently and may also push forward. Likely an even to steady gallop, with a potential for a tactical test unless someone forces the issue. The draw is neutral over this trip at York.

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Strongest Contenders + Main Dangers + Interesting Outsiders

Strongest Contender – Minnie Hauk (PROVEN & PROGRESSIVE):
She arrives off consecutive Group 1 wins – including a neck defeat of Whirl in the Oaks – and confirmed herself as the division’s leader with a controlled success at the Curragh. Still learning, with signs of further progress. Drawn well, Ryan Moore retains the ride, and this trip is her optimum. She has tactical pace and can travel strongly off any gallop. Very well suited to York.

Main Danger – Estrange (PROVEN & TOUGH):
A Group 2 winner here over C&D and unbeaten on this ground. Her reappearance win came under pressure when she was forced to commit earlier than ideal, yet she showed grit. Slight concerns about the ground being too quick, but she’s clearly smart and still upwardly mobile. Drawn 1 could be tricky tactically if she’s slowly away.

Interesting Outsider – Qilin Queen (PROMISING):
Won a soft Group 2 last time but may have been flattered by an easy lead. Her Oaks effort was poor behind Minnie Hauk, but she bounced back well. This race likely won’t be run to suit her front-running preference, but she’s progressive overall and bred to stay. Could outrun odds if allowed a soft lead again.

Garden Of Eden (TOUGH BUT EXPOSED):
A well-campaigned filly who got her Group 2 win in a well-run race that suited. Beaten in Germany since in a muddling event. She’s consistent but looks a rung below the top fillies, and her RPRs plateau around 113. That might not be enough to beat a peak Minnie Hauk.

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Runner Scores and Suitability Analysis

• Minnie Hauk: 9/10 – Well-suited to trip and track, top-class, improving still. Firm ground suits. Draw neutral. Tactically versatile.
• Estrange: 8/10 – Handles track and ground; proven over trip. Slight hold-up risk and possibly prefers softer. Watch market for drift.
• Garden Of Eden: 7/10 – Consistent and genuine, but lacks Minnie’s class. Stamina okay. York fine. Not much upside left.
• Qilin Queen: 6/10 – Likely to try to lead. Won weak Group 2 in France. Ground and trip okay but more needed.

Keep an eye on the market for support or big drifts for runners returning from layoffs of 90+ days.
Watch out for in-form sprinters returning quickly; they can be hot.

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Each-Way Angles

4 declared runners – No each-way angles applicable.

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Private Tissue Estimate

• Minnie Hauk – Evens
• Estrange – 3/1
• Garden Of Eden – 6/1
• Qilin Queen – 8/1

Market watch advised for runners making their 2nd start.

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Summary + Professional Punter View (Smart Play)

This looks a fascinating edition of the Yorkshire Oaks despite a small field. Minnie Hauk brings elite Group 1 form and is likely to improve again. She travels powerfully and has more class than these. Estrange is gutsy and unbeaten in 2025, but might not get her preferred ease. Garden Of Eden is likeable but probably playing for places. Qilin Queen has to prove she belongs at this level without an easy lead.

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Smart Play

Win Selection: Minnie Hauk – Top-class, still progressing, tactically flexible, and suited by this track.
No each-way saver – Field size does not permit.