The Oaks is the feature race at Epsom today and I would be disappointed if Sir Michael Stoute's Crystal Zvezda (4.30) didn't go very close in the fillies' classic. It may only have been a listed contest she won at Newbury on her reappearance but she could hardly have been more visually impressive and is bred to appreciate the step up in trip.
Jockey Ryan Moore tucked in behind the leaders from her wide draw and she could be called the winner all the way up the straight despite the fact that a number of race-readers suggested the third Pamona was an unlucky loser and was the one to take out of the race. As a daughter of Dubawi Crystal Zvezda should be fine with some cut in the ground and one or two showers would not be an inconvenience. She is 7/2 with BetVictor and I will be out of pocket if she doesn't reach the frame; Richard Hughes takes over on the filly with Moore on board Guineas winner Legatissimo the 5/2 market leader.
I was disappointed Crowley's Law (2.00) couldn't hang on at Goodwood last time but that was her first start of the season and at 8/1 with BetVictor she can reward each way support in the opening Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes. The selection has a bit to find on official figures but significant rain would be a plus for another daughter of Dubawi.
Paul Hanagan takes over on What About Carlo (2.35) who has been a major disappointment in his last couple of starts but is a course winner and the hope is the first time blinkers can work the oracle on the 4-y-old who ran a cracker over an inadequate trip when fourth in the Lincoln back in March.
Connections seem to have finally decided that Arod (3.10) is an out-and-out miler despite having finished fourth in the Derby last year. The selection finished third in the Gp 1 Lockinge Stakes last month and deserves to get his head in front with only a Windsor maiden and minor Leicester Conditions race to his name.
I remember trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam suggested his colt couldn't have the ground too fast and if conditions deteriorate I would jump ship in favour of Tullius who is very near top class on soft ground.
The Charlie Hills' string weren't firing when Aces made his seasonal debut over a mile back in April when he looked a non-stayer. He drops back a furlong and is a fascinating runner but his wide draw is a negative and Secret Brief (5.15) drops back a furlong having been collared inside the final furlong over a mile in the Heron Stakes at Sandown last week. It would be no surprise to see William Buick try and make all from stall four.
At Market Rasen Risk A Fine (3.00) makes his chase debut and this winning point-to-pointer has certainly got an engine but refuses to settle. If he becomes more amenable to restraint he could make up into a decent chaser and this slight drop in trip from his last run over hurdles at Exeter is a plus.
Great Link makes his debut for Dan Skelton and has bits of form which suggests he could be very well treated for his new yard; a check of the market is advised but preference is for Figaro (3.35) who jumped well enough on his chase debut for Tm Vaughan at Southwell and could be primed to strike with Richard Johnson in the saddle.
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