Oaks World Pool Preview: a tip for every race on Friday

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Friday’s Betfred Oaks, which celebrates its 248th running this year, sees Aidan O’Brien bidding to secure a record-extending 12th win in the fillies’ Classic. He trains three of this year’s field, including the favourite Amelia Earhart. John Gosden, meanwhile, has four Oaks wins to his name, including the 2023 success of Soul Sister which was secured in joint-license partnership with his son, Thady. 

The Oaks is race five on the card (16:00 BST), but the meeting begins at 13:30 BST with a 1000m (5f) handicap for three-year-olds. One of the fastest sprints in the world, it looks sure to be run at a lightning gallop which will suitU S S CHARLESTON who caught the eye at Wolverhampton in March before winning well at Yarmouth last time out. She’s Got ABrother and Wedonttelllies look the main dangers. 

Having been short of room as the race developed, ARDAD STEVE shaped well on debut when running on for fourth under hands and heels, and he can see off some better fancied rivals in the 1200m (6f) Woodcote Stakes at 14:05. His trainer Eve Johnson Houghton – who won this race in 2023 with Bobsleigh - has a good handle on the juvenile division. Hickory Lad’s form is working out well, so he may prove the pick of the proven winners. 

The Diomed Stakes (14:40) is a 1700m (8.5f) contest in which PERSICAis fancied to retain his crown. His win a year ago was the sixth time in 11 years that a horse with experience of running at Epsom prevailed - which counts against the likes of Qirat, Seagulls Eleven and Boiling Point in this year’s renewal – and the Richard Hannon-trained gelding has no penalty to carry this time around; he can extend his unbeaten record at the track. 

One of the big betting races of the day, the 2000m (10f) handicap at 15:15 was won by Bolster two years ago and he is one to consider on his seasonal return (following wind surgery, a gelding operation, and fitted with cheekpieces). But the vote goes to the less exposed SALLAALwhose trainer Roger Varian has made a habit of targeting this race. The Frankel gelding is up in the weights for a recent second at the track but looks up to defying it. 

The main event – the Betfred Oaks over 2400m (12f) – is due off at 16:00. Legacy Link has done her winning at Haydock and York, so the Gosdens’ decision to take her for an Epsom gallop looks a smart move, but the best British trial this season may prove to be the Cheshire Oaks. Though not run at a strong gallop, both Amelia Earhart and the third A LA PROCHAINE enhanced their reputations. The last-named is less of the finished article but caught the eye when running on from off the pace under a considerate James Doyle ride, and she makes most appeal on rain-softened ground that should prove ideal. Impressive Navan winner Thundering On and Venetian Lace, whose form stacks up very strongly, look the pick of the rest. 

Like the Diomed Stakes, the HKJC World Pool Handicap is run over 1700m and this year’s race (16:40) looks a very strong renewal. Last year’s winner Mirsky is respected from a slightly higher mark and with a win this term already under his belt, but MAN OF LA MANCHA shaped better than the distance he was beaten at Newbury last time and his mark still looks a competitive one. With the ground in his favour, he gets the nod ahead of Nottingham winner Principality and the lightly-raced course winner Celeborn. 

The listed Surrey Stakes (1400m) at 17:15 looks one of the most competitive races on the card, but the ground has come right for ARDISIAand a chance is taken on Hugo Palmer’s charge at the main expense of Greek Mythology, Stellar Sunrise and Northern Champion. Finally, DANCE IN THE STORM has more improvement to come and should have the 1400m handicap at 17:50 run to suit. The 2024 winner Rhoscolyn, Goodwood winner Crimson Spirit, and the hat-trick-seeking Zarathos complete the shortlist. 

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