Oaks ground likely to be soft after Epsom hit by heavy rain

The very real prospect of Friday’s Investec Oaks being run on soft ground moved a step closer yesterday when a late-afternoon downpour dropped more than a centimetre of rain on Epsom.

Epsom is a quick-drying course but Andrew Cooper, the clerk of the course, said last night: “I have no doubt it will be soft in the short term after today’s rain.”

There is an unsettled forecast for the rest of the week, with showers expected every day, including on Friday.

Aidan O’brien’s Magical, secondfavourite in most bookmaker lists, will have to pass a late fitness test before taking her chance after suffering a setback. O’brien said: “She just gave herself a little bit of a tip on the inside of her joint this morning.

“There was a little bit of filling in it but it scanned perfect and we’re going to make a decision about her in the morning. Hopefully it will be gone and if it is, there won’t be a problem.”

Frankie Dettori is expecting a “massive run” from Hazapour in Saturday’s Investec Derby after riding Dermot Weld’s charge in a gallop yesterday morning.

Dettori told At The Races: “It was pretty much a routine gallop. I didn’t come to press any buttons, I just came to have a feel of the horse and get to know his character.

“I was very pleased with what I saw. He was a very willing partner and it’s all systems go for Saturday.

“I’m riding a horse that has won one of the well-known trials in Ireland. Of course I’m looking forward to it and I’m hoping for a massive run.

“He [Weld] is very pleased with the horse. He’s a master trainer who has done it before and he’s not going to come to Epsom for the day out.”