Forever Together no wild illusion for the Oaks

– Forever Together can lose her maiden tag in the best way possible today by winning the Investec Oaks at Epsom.

She looked a filly very much on the improve when staying on in taking fashion for second place behind her Aidan O'Brien stablemate Magic Wand in the Cheshire Oaks on the Roodee.

That was only her third career start and her first since October but she gave the impression she would come on for that run.

Her inexperience showed

London

throughout the race but she stayed on nicely with Donnacha O'Brien being sympathetic in the saddle as she grabbed the runnerup spot in the last 100m.

Forever Together would have learnt plenty for that and is sure to have progressed. Stamina is assured judged on that effort and she looks the pick of the O'Brien pack.

As for the places, Godolphin's Wild Illusion looks the main danger. Fourth in the 1000 Guineas, she will relish the step up to 2400m. William Haggas' Give And Take won the Musidora at York and gives her Eachway claims.

Cracksman was the best horse to come out of last year's Derby and can prove the point in the Investec Coronation Cup.

John Gosden's colt was far from the finished article when a close third to Wings Of Eagles in the premier Classic but subsequent events showed the race came too soon in his career.

However, he made up for lost time, ending 2017 with a convincing victory in the Champion Stakes and started 2018 off in fine style in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp.

Gosden can also strike with Kings Shield, who drops back in grade and distance in the Investec Surrey Stakes after a creditable effort in the French 2000 Guineas.

He did not get the run of the race when sixth to Olmedo yet was only beaten 3.25 lengths and can gain compensation in this Listed event.–