GOOD CHANCE SOBETSU WILL TAKE ON OAKS

THE likelihood of ground no quicker than good at Epsom on Friday looks like persuading Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby to run Sobetsu in the Investec Oaks. Appleby had hinted that the French Oaks — the Prix de Diane — might be Sobetsu’s main priority after the daughter of Dubawi was a three-length winner of the Group One Prix Saint- Alary at Deauville. But with the Diane more than a fortnight away on June 18, Appleby said the mount of William Buick could take in both races. ‘We are on weather watch,’ said Appleby. ‘We don’t want any firm ground in the going description. We might be a bit sick if we missed good ground on Friday when in two weeks it might be quick ground in France.’ She is a 7-1 chance for the Oaks with Rhododendron, the 1,000 Guineas runner-up, evens favourite. Meanwhile, Gina Mangan, the apprentice with one career win who will ride 1,000-1 shot Diore Lia in Derby, is on Alshan Fajer in the opening race at Kempton tonight for what is likely to be her final ride before Saturday’s Classic.