We gotta Horse in the Oaks
ONE of the most important things to look for in a winner of both today’s Investec Oaks (4.30) and tomorrow’s Derby is a strong pedigree.
But, before we delve into the gene pool, other trends tell us today’s Oaks winner will have:
Had between two and five career starts
Run once or twice during the season
Had previous winning form over at least a mile.
Those stats remove hot-favourite Rhododendron, Daddys Lil Darling and Pocketfullofdreams from calculations.
Isabel De Urbina doesn’t appeal as a likely Oaks winner on pedigree, but the other six are bred to stay and are strong alternatives to the Aidan O’Brien-trained hotpot.
Natavia has a big reputation but I am put off by the fact this is her third race in a short time.
Enable put Alluringly firmly in her box at Chester earlier this month but there may not much between the pair today.
Sobetsu won a French Group 1 over a mile and a quarter on comeback and should confirm the placings with Coronet.
All are respected but the pick is the Andrew Balding-trained HORSEPLAY.
She is by Cape Cross out of an extra-tough mare and was impressive in Newmarket’s Pretty Polly. Being a Balding horse, she will improve massively for the run so have 2pts each-way at 18-1 with Corals, Hills and Ladbrokes.