Maman Joon ahead of the Oaks
EPSOM – FRIDAY
2:00 Woodcote Stakes
Haatem (Pat Dobbs)
He improved from his first run to his second when bolting up at Bath last time and this sharp track will really suit because he’s very speedy. We have him entered in all the big sales races, including the Super Sprint, and he’s a colt with lots of ability.
The Camden Colt (Ryan Moore)
This colt fits into the same category as Haatem due to the fact he improved from his debut to score at Haydock last week and there is very little between them from a work point of view. He stayed this trip well last time when making all the running, although he doesn’t have to go from the front and we’ll see how the race pans out. He’s got a winner’s penalty, like a few others in the race, but is a smart colt who is sure to run well.
4:30 G1 Oaks
Maman Joon (Kevin Stott)
The plan was always to come straight here, which may not be the most conventional route to an Oaks, but we didn’t really think she’d have benefited from a prep run because she had quite a hard race on soft ground at Newbury and would’ve had the same if we’d given her another run in a trial so the decision was quite easy and we’ve given her plenty of time.
She was with us last year and has grown into the most gorgeous, elegant, good moving filly and I think the fact she didn’t run as a two-year-old could be a blessing because it allowed her to fill into her frame and develop in her own time.
We took her away to Everleigh the other day for a piece of work, which went very well, and I am confident she’ll stay the trip.
There have been a few big priced horses win the Oaks (Qualify 50/1, Look Here 33/1 and Talent 20/1 to name just a few) and if this filly can do that, or even be placed, we will obviously be delighted.
I must admit, however, I was very impressed with Soul Sister in the Musidora, which is arguably the best trial, and she looks the one to beat.
5:10 Listed Surrey Stakes
Magical Sunset (Pat Dobbs)
Nothing went right at Ascot last time (over six) but I liked the way she finished her race so the step back up to seven furlongs is a big plus, and on her two-year-old form she is definitely not out of it. She worked well on Tuesday and she’s won on Good to Firm so won’t mind the ground.
5:45 Kingmoor Handicap
Signcastle City (Pat Dobbs)
He’s a smart colt who has a decent race in him somewhere along the line and I was pleased with his effort at Newmarket last time where he stayed on nicely to the line. There looks to be plenty of pace which will suit and he loves fast ground.
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