FRIDAY 4TH JUNE

 

First of all we produced a podcast on the Oaks and the Derby. If you want to hear my thoughts on the Oaks in detail, please visit:

 

 

What a race this looks likely to be. The favourite is Santa Barbara who is open to progression after finishing 4th in the 1000 guineas. She was green that day so although I respect her, I would not want to be chancing a horse who is still learning the game. The same can be said about Teona, bags of ability but green as grass last time out when pulling very hard. Either could be very classy but it is not a chance I would want to take at the prices.

Instead I believe this race could be down to experience and SNOWFALL is as experienced as they come with 8 runs under her belt. She was an easy winner of the Musidora Stakes at York last month, beating Teona comfortably. She has certainly progressed from a 2 year old to a 3 year old and this further step up in trip will only improve her, given she is by Deep Impact. 

We know she will be ridden prominently so will have no traffic problems and I think Frankie Dettori will play catch me if you can. She found loads off the bridle at York and she has a very strong chance. 

Another who is too big at the prices is DUBAI FOUNTAIN. She was the winner of the Cheshire Oaks last month, beating Zeyaadah by 1 length when sent off 13/8 fav. Although Zeyaadah had a troublesome run at Chester and may well have finished ahead of Dubai Fountain, I can’t see why one is 6/1 and our selection is 11/1, when she has already beaten her. She is another horse with plenty of experience with 8 career runs and another horse who likes to race prominently. 

I think DUBAI FOUNTAIN and SNOWFALL will take this field along and if the other jockeys in behind are not on A game, either could steal the race from the front.

 

Good Luck