2000 Love Divine Richard Quinn Henry Cecil Lordship Stud 2:43.11 2001 Imagine Michael Kinane Aidan O'Brien Nagle / Magnier 2:36.70 2002 Kazzia Frankie Dettori Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin 2:44.52 2003 Casual Look Martin Dwyer Andrew Balding William S. Farish III 2:38.07 2004 Ouija Board Kieren Fallon Ed Dunlop 19th Earl of Derby 2:35.41 2005 Eswarah Richard Hills Michael Jarvis Hamdan Al Maktoum 2:39.00 2006 Alexandrova Kieren Fallon Aidan O'Brien Magnier / Tabor / Smith 2:37.71 2007 Light Shift Ted Durcan Henry Cecil Niarchos Family 2:40.38 2008 Look Here Seb Sanders Ralph Beckett Julian Richmond-Watson 2:36.89 2009 Sariska Jamie Spencer Michael Bell Lady Bamford 2:35.28 2010 Snow Fairy Ryan Moore Ed Dunlop Anamoine Ltd 2:35.77
key trends
**first past the post won the race 10/10**
betting
Blue Bunting (5/2) , Wonder Of Wonders (4) , Havant (8) , Zain Al Boldan (10) , Sirens Song (20) , Khawlah (22) , Misty For Me (22) , Together (22) , Banimpire (33) , Bible Belt (33) , Claiomh Solais (33) , Dancing Rain (33) , Chabada (40) , Emiyna (40) , Sunset Avenue (40) , Arizona Jewel (44) , Izzi Top (47) , Azores (50) , Empowering (50) , Gemstone (50) - Others 50 or more
BLUE BUNTING favourite and looking to complete the guineas/oaks double. she was a surprise winner of the guineas at 16-1. she was last seen as a 2 year old winning the listed montrose stakes at the back end of last season and would surely of been godolphin's number 2 had white moonstone raced in the guineas. she is bred to get at least 10f so her fast finishing victory in the 1000 makes her a worthy fav
WONDER OF WONDERS only ran once as a 2year old. and stepped up markedly on previous form when winning the listed chesire oaks. this daughter of oaks runner up all too beautiful ( 2nd to the mighty ouija board ) is bred for the job and showed a very good attitude in winning at chester. she only lost her maiden tag 8 days previously at tipperary and looked very green in doing so. but at chester she looked to have grown up out of all recognition, getting tapped for toe rounding the final bend she made up 5lengths easily and was well on top at the finish. this impeccably bred scopey filly will love the trip and has been placed by her trainer at tracks with epsom at mind
HAVANT unbeaten at 2 including winning the group3 'oh so sharp' stakes. sir michael stoutes filly has always looked on breeding to be an oaks filly but showed enough toe at newmarket in the 'oh so sharp' to be a market fancy for the guineas. although her sire halling's offspring and havant's siblings have shown a liking for fast ground, as a 2year old havant only raced on soft and her high knee action suggested she had a preference for cut. so the fast ground on guineas weekend was an unknown for punters. she was very keen early and held up. she moved up nicely mid race but only stayed on steadily at the business end. whether that was the ground or down to her trainers slow start to the season only time will tell.
for me at the prices i'm prepared to forgive havant her last run. she will strip fitter for the run and with epsom's over watering policy hopefully the ground wont be an issue either.
Im on WOW at 20's but although her debut this season can be ignored, she got no run whatsoever, the runner-up in that race Sirens Song was also unlukcy in-running and won a listed race next time out. She has only had 2 runs, and heads straight to Epsom and given she only got on top at the finish I reckon she is crying out got an extra 2 furlongs.
If WOW is 4/1 then SS should be a closer in the betting to her imo, not 20's.
Im on WOW at 20's but although her debut this season can be ignored, she got no run whatsoever, the runner-up in that race Sirens Song was also unlukcy in-running and won a listed race next time out. She has only had 2 runs, and heads straight to Eps
Last years bet for me was Havant. If the guineas is taken literally (usually the right thing to do with Classic form) there is no compelling reason why she beats Blue Bunting. I will be interested to read Mr Mordin's reasons for apparently fancying her. Whatever they are I hope he's right.
The Channon filly is slowly approaching her correct price. Repeated viewing does nothing to dispel my initial impression that she ran a seriously good trial even if the time, slightly slower than 2 "ordinary" Mark Johnston colts, was nothing special. She reminds me a bit of Snow Fairy last year who remained below the radar for way too long.
With Khawlah now an unlikely runner those 2 make up my book. Not great but at least it's better than the Derby
Last years bet for me was Havant. If the guineas is taken literally (usually the right thing to do with Classic form) there is no compelling reason why she beats Blue Bunting. I will be interested to read Mr Mordin's reasons for apparently fancying h
I have backed both Havant @ 10/1 (E/W) and Wonder Of Wonders @ 8/1 (E/W)
I don't have a strong opinion on the race. All I can say is the 3 year old fillies in England are generally not up to much again this year.
I have backed both Havant @ 10/1 (E/W) and Wonder Of Wonders @ 8/1 (E/W)I don't have a strong opinion on the race. All I can say is the 3 year old fillies in England are generally not up to much again this year.
2nd first time out in the race where wonder of wonders came 7th ( as stated bt sint ). stayed on eye catchingly at 25-1 next time won the listed salsabil stakes at navan on yeilding ground. held up she travelled into the race nicely and stayed on well to win by a 1 1/2 lengths. she is improving nicely and bred to stay the trip. her half brother centennial won the great voltigeur. the 2nd and 3rd from the salsabil stakes have both disappointed since sadly, but she remains an interesting 20-1 shot
cheers sint
SIRENS SONG2nd first time out in the race where wonder of wonders came 7th ( as stated bt sint ). stayed on eye catchingly at 25-1next time won the listed salsabil stakes at navan on yeilding ground. held up she travelled into the race nicely and sta
doesn't have the "normal" oaks profile, having made her debut at brighton and then followed with a handicap victory at folkestone off 73. her 3rd career start was in the listed oaks trial at lingfield. she smashed a very ordinary field in good style and is now a general 4th favourite for the oaks. she beat trees that day and will have to step up again to figure at epsom.
but she is 3 from 3 and going in the right direction, and looks as she will get the trip. her siblings have been a poor bunch to really know if she will stay in top company.
ZAIN AL BOLDANdoesn't have the "normal" oaks profile, having made her debut at brighton and then followed with a handicap victory at folkestone off 73. her 3rd career start was in the listed oaks trial at lingfield. she smashed a very ordinary field
The think I liked about Zain Boldan was the way she travelled around Lingfield. It was very smooth so she is sure to like Epsom, it just depends whether she is good enough. I thought it was a slight negative aswell that Sam Hitchcock keeps the ride even though he has done nothing wrong, but you would have thought if connections thought she was a Classic winner they'd put up Spencer or someone imo.
re Sirens Song .. both Harringtons Guineas runners ran shockers, and Laughing Lahses in particular doubled in price within the space of 24hrs, a sure sign your money is gone! But none of us knew if LL or Pathfork had trained on, at least with Sirens we know she is fit and in-form this season. Again, it depends if she is good enough.
The think I liked about Zain Boldan was the way she travelled around Lingfield. It was very smooth so she is sure to like Epsom, it just depends whether she is good enough. I thought it was a slight negative aswell that Sam Hitchcock keeps the ride e
Siren's Song's Salsabil Stakes win is working out very badly: all the fillies who have run since have been beaten. That includes the second and third, and all bar two of the others.
Zain Al Boldan is unbeaten but running at Folkestone and Brighton suggests she was not regarded as a Classic filly by connections. Her Lingfield trial win was not compelling in manner or time. The one positive is she should handle Epsom after winning at those tracks.
Really there is no stand-out form this season in either Oaks or Derby. I expect both races will be won, nonetheless.
Siren's Song's Salsabil Stakes win is working out very badly: all the fillies who have run since have been beaten. That includes the second and third, and all bar two of the others.Zain Al Boldan is unbeaten but running at Folkestone and Brighton sug
John Dunlop has been given the approval of owner Benny Andersson to run Beatrice Aurore in the Investec Oaks.
Andersson, who was a member of Abba, has a most progressive filly on his hands.
She built on a Goodwood handicap victory at the beginning of the month by landing the Casco Height Of Fashion Stakes at the same course on Wednesday.
"She's definitely going to run," said Dunlop.
"I've spoken to the owner and he was very keen to have a runner, so we're looking forward to it."
Beatrice Aurore can still be backed at 20-1 with many major bookmakers for the Epsom Classic on June 3.
(reopens) Jessica Harrington, meanwhile, is looking forward to a tilt at the Oaks with talented filly Siren's Song.
A highly encouraging debut second at Leopardstown in March was followed up by Listed success at Naas.
"She's got to do another bit of work this week but if that goes OK, she'll go straight to the Oaks. That has always been the plan," said Harrington.
"It was a good performance at Navan - she couldn't have done any more.
"I know she's going to go to Epsom fairly inexperienced, but I think she's a good filly.
"She's a fairly well-balanced filly, so she should handle Epsom all right.
"At Navan you run down a hill into a dip and there are a fair few ridges and she handled that fine.
"She came round a left-handed bend and also ran well at Leopardstown, which is left-handed.
"It looks a very open Oaks this year and she'll take her chance."
John Gosden's Swettenham Stud Fillies' Trial winner Izzi Top could also be Oaks-bound.
"I'll leave her in the Oaks. She would appreciate a bit of rain, being by Pivotal, but she came out of her race really well," said Gosden.
"She was squealing and bucking so much after her work, I almost worked her a second time."
John Dunlop has been given the approval of owner Benny Andersson to run Beatrice Aurore in the Investec Oaks.Andersson, who was a member of Abba, has a most progressive filly on his hands.She built on a Goodwood handicap victory at the beginning of t
be interesting to see today whether MISTY FOR ME can bounce back to form. think she would of been on most peoples short list after her 2 group 1 victories last season. but on her return at newmarket, in the 1000 guineas, she ran no race at all. a very disappointing performance.
but with the turn around in form Roderic O'Connor showed yesterday, from mewmarket to the curragh, hopefully misty for me can show her true form today and make herself a leading player for the oaks.
be interesting to see today whether MISTY FOR ME can bounce back to form.think she would of been on most peoples short list after her 2 group 1 victories last season. but on her return at newmarket, in the 1000 guineas, she ran no race at all. a very
she did that for you brandy but I think its 4/6 she goes to France instead.
The reason I say that is that she is bred to get 10 but maybe not 12 furlongs as the dam's side is full of quite fast blood going back some way. The only stamina on the dams side is about 3 generations back - Never Bend sire of Mill Reef is in there. Another reason is that they already have a prime oaks candidate.
If she was mine I would maybe try Epsom, but I think the probability is they will choose France for the above reasons.
Good luck thoiugh
she did that for you brandy but I think its 4/6 she goes to France instead.The reason I say that is that she is bred to get 10 but maybe not 12 furlongs as the dam's side is full of quite fast blood going back some way. The only stamina on the dams s
O'Brien said Wonder Of Wonders, winner of the Cheshire Oaks, and Misty For Me, who took the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the weekend would be his runners in the Investec Oaks
never in doubt[;)]
O'Brien said Wonder Of Wonders, winner of the Cheshire Oaks, and Misty For Me, who took the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the weekend would be his runners in the Investec Oaksnever in doubt
What is in doubt on pedigree at least is whether Misty For Me will stay 12 furlongs.
I am a bit surprised that they chose to go to epsom; she is good and will get more than a mile but 12 furlongs is some ask for a filly who really does have a lot of speed on the dam's side.
What is in doubt on pedigree at least is whether Misty For Me will stay 12 furlongs.I am a bit surprised that they chose to go to epsom; she is good and will get more than a mile but 12 furlongs is some ask for a filly who really does have a lot of s
yea totally agree there has to be a doubt over her ability to stay the 12f
she has 2 siblings.pedasus and showcall. showcall only ran once as a 2yearold over 7f, and pedasus ran 18 times on the flat at a very low level without winning. from 7f - 12f. and ran twice over hurdles without success
her dam is out of mr p's princess who produced fasliyev, 2 time group1 winner at 2 kamarinskaya who contested both the french and irish guineas for aiden o'brien chinook ran for aiden also over 6f and 7f empress of france, trained by aiden ran from 6f-8f and dubai to dubai who ran from 9f-12f
there is lots of speed on the dam side, but i love this fillies attitude and still hope she can run a massive race
yea totally agree there has to be a doubt over her ability to stay the 12fshe has 2 siblings.pedasus and showcall. showcall only ran once as a 2yearold over 7f, and pedasus ran 18 times on the flat at a very low level without winning. from 7f - 12f.
Don't despair though. She has a really good attitude and she looks and runs like she needs a trip.
In the Oaks sometimes fillies win when not really getting the trip - Reams Of Verse was certainly one like that.
Good luck.
Don't despair though. She has a really good attitude and she looks and runs like she needs a trip.In the Oaks sometimes fillies win when not really getting the trip - Reams Of Verse was certainly one like that.Good luck.
I wouldn't worry that they have kept Hitchcott on Zain Al Boldan sint. The yard/connections tend to be very loyal to a jock if they are doing a good job whoever they are.
I wouldn't worry about the route Zain has taken to the Oaks either because again the yard don't tend to know what they have until the horse steps up to a higher level. Channon doesn't have too many horses to use as a yardstick against his 3yos. He has some decent 2yos and the former top class miler Music Show but nothing he can run with the likes of Zain Al Boldan that could have told him how good she was.
I wouldn't worry that they have kept Hitchcott on Zain Al Boldan sint. The yard/connections tend to be very loyal to a jock if they are doing a good job whoever they are. I wouldn't worry about the route Zain has taken to the Oaks either because agai
Havant looks underpriced still imo at 6/1. She finished 6th in the Guineas, not hard ridden and was looked after, but her price still have a lot to do with who trains her and the assumption she'll stay every yard of the 12f. She may well do on breeding, but when you consider that Native Khan, for example, in the Derby is priced at 12/1 after actually placing in the Guineas it makes her odds look pretty short. They are both just Group 3 winners afterall.
Havant looks underpriced still imo at 6/1. She finished 6th in the Guineas, not hard ridden and was looked after, but her price still have a lot to do with who trains her and the assumption she'll stay every yard of the 12f. She may well do on breedi
Look at Misty For Me though, unsighted in the 1000 Guineas, then comes out and wins the Irish 1000G.
Would like to see either Havant or MFM win the Oaks for Ten to Follw purposes, and wouldn't be surprised if one of them did.
Look at Misty For Me though, unsighted in the 1000 Guineas, then comes out and wins the Irish 1000G.Would like to see either Havant or MFM win the Oaks for Ten to Follw purposes, and wouldn't be surprised if one of them did.
Yes that is true but I dont believe Stoutey gets them fit on the racetrack like Aidan O'brien does. He must send some of his horses to the races about 70% ready!
Havant is going to imprvoe for sure, her odds have already factored it in though imo. She is not in my TTF only Misty.
Yes that is true but I dont believe Stoutey gets them fit on the racetrack like Aidan O'brien does. He must send some of his horses to the races about 70% ready!Havant is going to imprvoe for sure, her odds have already factored it in though imo. She
JOCI Club 29 May 11 21:06 Thought **** would have won with more authority today. We know Rite of Passage has done it already, and relishes the trip, so you'd have to fancy him.
The **** was the 3 letter acronym for Fame And Glory.
JOCI Club 29 May 11 21:06 Thought **** would have won with more authority today. We know Rite of Passage has done it already, and relishes the trip, so you'd have to fancy him.The **** was the 3 letter acronym for Fame And Glory.
Jimmy George can hardly believe he will be returning to Epsom with another Classic contender on Friday as Siren's Song goes for glory in the Investec Oaks.
The Tattersalls marketing director had the excitement of having a share in leading Derby hope Curtain Call in 2008, although he disappointed in finishing 10th.
The Jessica Harrington-trained Siren's Song impressed when winning a Listed race at Navan in April, but George admits Friday's race is a huge jump in class.
"It's obviously very exciting and I probably don't deserve to be involved with another Classic contender quite so quickly after the last one," said George.
"I thought when we had Curtain Call that would be as good as it would get, but it's amazing to be going back to Epsom again with another runner.
"Siren's Song is a nice filly who won very well in a Listed race at Navan.
"This is a big step up for her, but Jessica has always held her in high regard and wouldn't be bringing her over unless she thought she had a chance.
"She hasn't run since April and we could have run her in one of the more recognised Oaks trials, but she only came into training in January and had two runs quite quickly.
"Jessica was happy to bring her over off the back of a couple of runs.
"She didn't run as a two-year-old as she was quite backward, but she has obviously come on leaps and bounds since then.
"It will be a different experience for her running at Epsom on Oaks day to running at Navan, but Oaks day is not quite as manic as Derby day and is perhaps not as demanding on a horse.
"Jessica thinks she will handle it all fine and it's going to be an exciting few days."
George admits Curtain Call's display was not what they had hoped for, but he knows better than most just how competitive the Classics are.
Friday's race will feature English 1000 Guineas heroine Blue Bunting, as well as recent Irish Guineas scorer Misty For Me.
"Curtain Call was a bit disappointing in the Derby. The horse did not turn out to be as good as we thought he was going to be," George continued.
"He won a Group Two when he was a two-year-old and I think that was just as good as he was.
"Fingers crossed Siren's Song can run a little better than he did, but it's going to be tough. It looks a very good Oaks with two Classic winners in there and plenty of other well regarded fillies."
Jimmy George can hardly believe he will be returning to Epsom with another Classic contender on Friday as Siren's Song goes for glory in the Investec Oaks.The Tattersalls marketing director had the excitement of having a share in leading Derby hope C
Is Wonder of Wonders really the Ballydoyle number one?
Aidan has said for a long time, that Misty For Me needs a trip, yet she was still classy enough to win the Irish Guineas. Wonder of Wonders has only won the Chester Oaks.
Way I see it - Fallon got the ride on Wonder of Wonders to sweeten the Recital deal, but Seamie without a ride in the Derby gets the leg up on Misty For Me. I wonder did he actually get a choice. As others have said in other threads, he rides the track well.
Is Wonder of Wonders really the Ballydoyle number one?Aidan has said for a long time, that Misty For Me needs a trip, yet she was still classy enough to win the Irish Guineas. Wonder of Wonders has only won the Chester Oaks.Way I see it - Fallon got