2024 Oaks

I have no idea what I'll be backing at this stage but at 11/4 Ylang Ylang represents terrible value. When she won the Gp3 on her second start it looked as though she could step up on that but for me that's as good as she is. In six starts she has never put up a time better than Gp3 level, with no excuse about the pace of those races. She did win the Gp1 Fillies Mile but it was hard fought and a subpar renewal. Many people think she ran a good Oaks trial in the Guineas but in my view that was the worst 1000 Guineas for more than 20 years.

It would be foolish to say she can't win the Oaks, as at present I don't know how strong it will be. Even if a couple of decent contenders appear Ylang Ylang would probably still have stronger form than about 75% of the field and a fair chance of a place. I just believe that it's highly unlikely she will be good enough and we ought to see a better filly beforehand.