OAKS GLORY ON CARDS FOR O’BRIEN
Aidan O’Brien continues to collect Classics as if they are parking tickets and RHODODENDRON ( epsom, 4.30) may well continue his stellar season in today’s investec Oaks.
Odds of 50-1 for the master of Ballydoyle to win every Classic this season lasted about as long as it takes to run this afternoon’s great race and, in the daughter of the prolific sire Galileo, O’Brien boasts another prime candidate for one of the campaign’s marquee events.
The selection was unlucky not to lay a glove on stablemate Winter in the 1,000 Guineas at newmarket when rider ryan Moore was temporarily halted in traffic when the winner quickened.
However, that form took a boost at the Curragh last Sunday when Winter confirmed herself a top-class race mare with victory in the irish Guineas, a run which only served to highlight the display of rhododendron at headquarters.
The selection’s breeding and run style — she appears a very relaxed individual — suggests today’s extra half-mile should present no issue and the small field negates the chances of her finding further trouble in running.
Trainer John Gosden could have run the talented Shutter Speed in today’s contest, but relies on enable and Coronet, both of whom look nailed on to relish epsom’s mile-and-a-half.
The former booked her place in the field with a commanding defeat of alluringly at Chester, while Coronet is seemingly crying out for a more severe test of stamina having won over 10 furlongs as a juvenile.
There was more evidence of that view in France last time where she failed to keep tabs on the speedier Sobetsu before staying on gamely in the closing stages. Gosden’s duo could represent the chief threats to rhododendron but the irish raider can repel them both.
JUANITO CHICO (epsom, nb, 5.50) ran well at this venue as a juvenile and could be the answer to the finale having run well despite being marooned on his own at ascot in a decent handicap last time.