June 06 / 16.00 Epsom

16.00

Good To Soft

Betfred Oaks (Group 1) (Fillies)

  • Prize money: £325033.36
  • 1m 4f 6y
  • Class 1
  • 9 runners
ITV
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Betfred Oaks (Group 1) (Fillies)

Runners: 9 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

9/2 (Won)

  • Win: £5.50
  • Place: £1.70

Form: 21-1

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
By Frankel out of half-sister to Kingman and cost 1,850,000euros as a yearling; favourite for two Irish maidens over 1m last October, 2-5 and always front rank when winning at Leopardstown (soft); 13-8 favourite when reappearing in the Listed Cheshire Oaks at Chester (11.5f, good) one month ago and scored in similar style, not by far but clearly in charge from 2f out; that form is not a patch on Desert Flower's but this filly has reportedly "come on loads" since, she's the Aidan O'Brien number one on jockey bookings and an assured stayer who has more in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

(4)

24th May 2026

Good To Yielding

1m 2f 110y

15:55 Curragh

Minnie Hauk

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Last year's top-rated filly worldwide; won the Cheshire Oaks, the Classics at Epsom and the Curragh and the Yorkshire Oaks; at least matched her best effort when touched off by Daryz on soft in the Arc, well clear of the remainder; perhaps one race too many when underwhelming at the Breeders' Cup; picked up smoothly to win a Group 2 by 1.75l here on seasonal return (1m2f, good); this is a bigger task, and it's not unfair to say her ideal trip is further than this, but she's the most likely winner.

8/15

1st

6

(7)

4th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

16:10 Curragh

Minnie Hauk

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Last year's leading middle-distance 3yo filly; won the Cheshire Oaks, the Classics at Epsom and the Curragh and the Yorkshire Oaks, and at least matched her best effort when touched off by Daryz on soft in the Arc, well clear of the remainder; form significantly boosted before season's end; possibly one race too many when sixth in the Breeders' Cup Turf; 1m2f trip is a mild concern; won over 1m at two.

1/2

9/2

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 511-61

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
By Wootton Bassett; progressed nicely last year, on final start making most and rallying splendidly to take a 1m Group 3 at the Curragh (1m, soft) with Giselle among those on her heels; never seriously involved on reappearance and started joint-third favourite of six for the Group 3 Musidora at York (10.3f) a month later but she led over 3f out and ran on strongly to win in style; dam 1m winner but dam's sister Hydrangea won Group 1s over 1m and 1m4f; shapes as if she will stay and has big each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

(4)

31st Jul 2025

Good

1m 1f 197y

Class 1

15:05 Goodwood

Whirl

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Easily won the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York (1m2f, good to firm) in May before pushing Minnie Hauk close in the Oaks (1m4f, good to soft; 4l back to third) and her stablemate followed up in the Irish Oaks; won the Group 1 Pretty Polly at the Curragh (1m2f, good) last time and the runner-up Kalpana franked that form when second in the King George on Saturday; major player.

5/4

7

(7)

28th Jun 2025

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:30 Curragh

Whirl

9st 0lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Won 1m Group 3 at this venue on fourth and final start at two; below-par reappearance here in April; much more like it to win the Group 3 Musidora at York a month later, led over 3f out and ran on strongly; career-best when second in the Oaks, made the running and rallied well after being headed, emerging with almost as such as credit as stablemate Minnie Hauk.

11/8

2nd

9

(9)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Whirl

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

By Wootton Bassett; progressed nicely last year, on final start making most and rallying splendidly to take a 1m Group 3 at the Curragh (1m, soft) with Giselle among those on her heels; never seriously involved on reappearance and started joint-third favourite of six for the Group 3 Musidora at York (10.3f) a month later but she led over 3f out and ran on strongly to win in style; dam 1m winner but dam's sister Hydrangea won Group 1s over 1m and 1m4f; shapes as if she will stay and has big each-way chance.

9/2

OUR TIP

13/8

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 1111-1

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in four races as 2yo, by an aggregate of almost 17l and culminating in Group 1 Fillies' Mile (good to soft; unraced on softer); evens when she reappeared for the 1,000 Guineas back at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) and she made all, strongly challenged but pulling 1l clear; shapes as if sure to stay beyond 1m, even though she's by the miler Night Of Thunder and her smart dam looked best up to 1m1f; the proven class act in this field but with stamina for 1m4f the big question.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(1)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Desert Flower

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Unbeaten in four races as 2yo, by an aggregate of almost 17l and culminating in Group 1 Fillies' Mile (good to soft; unraced on softer); evens when she reappeared for the 1,000 Guineas back at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) and she made all, strongly challenged but pulling 1l clear; shapes as if sure to stay beyond 1m, even though she's by the miler Night Of Thunder and her smart dam looked best up to 1m1f; the proven class act in this field but with stamina for 1m4f the big question.

13/8

1st

2

(1)

4th May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Desert Flower

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Godolphin filly whose unbeaten 2yo campaign comprised four wins by an aggregate of almost 17l, the last two in the May Hill at Doncaster (good) and Group 1 Fillies' Mile at this venue (good to soft); sparkled in a racecourse gallop here last month and commands major respect.

5/4

1st

2

(1)

4th May 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket

Desert Flower

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: Charlie Appleby

Godolphin filly whose unbeaten 2yo campaign comprised four wins by an aggregate of almost 17l, the last two in the May Hill at Doncaster (good) and Group 1 Fillies' Mile at this venue (good to soft); sparkled in a racecourse gallop here last month and commands major respect.

5/4

Form: 313-51

Last run: 41 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Made most to win 1m Cork maiden last October; three Group 3 contests since, against the males on first two occasions but then finding marked improvement against her own sex to win eight-runner race at Navan (1m2f, soft) on latest, making all and keeping on strongly to do it in clearcut style; she's by Derby winner Australia and there's a good chance she too will be suited by this trip; could ask the market leaders some serious questions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(7)

23rd May 2026

Soft

1m 2f 100y

Class 1

13:45 Haydock

Wemightakedlongway

9st 2lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Last season's best performances came in Group 1s when runner-up in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh (1m4f, good) and very close fourth in the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp (1m2f, very soft); flopped on last month's reappearance at Cork, which is disconcerting, but she's a leading player if leaving that performance behind in first-time cheekpieces.

7/2

7th

8

(2)

4th Apr 2026

Soft

1m 4f 25y

17:12 Cork

Wemightakedlongway

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Won a Navan 1m2f Listed race on soft last year; loads of good runs in defeat after in Group 1s up to 1m4f including in Oaks/Irish Oaks and a French Group 1; is ground-versatile and rated 110 so is the one to beat if ready enough on return.

6/4

10/1

Form: 213-1 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
By Frankel out of US 1m Grade 1 winner; won a maiden at the Curragh before close third to Whirl in Group 3 there (1m, soft) later in October; Lingfield Oaks Trial (11.6f, good to firm) was almost a non-event in terms of the opposition and she was pushed/nudged out to go 9l clear in the last 2f, having been held up last of three in a first-time hood (retained); while that was a satisfactory comeback, and she's reported to have improved a lot at home since, this race will demand a great deal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

(3)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Giselle

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: A P O’Brien

By Frankel out of US 1m Grade 1 winner; won a maiden at the Curragh before close third to Whirl in Group 3 there (1m, soft) later in October; Lingfield Oaks Trial (11.6f, good to firm) was almost a non-event in terms of the opposition and she was pushed/nudged out to go 9l clear in the last 2f, having been held up last of three in a first-time hood (retained); while that was a satisfactory comeback, and she's reported to have improved a lot at home since, this race will demand a great deal more.

10/1

1st

1

(3)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 1

13:15 Lingfield

Giselle

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

steadied start, took keen hold, raced in third in touch with leaders

1/4

1

(3)

10th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 1

13:15 Lingfield

Giselle

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Won a maiden at the Curragh last October on second start (7f, good; unraced on faster) and close third in Group 3 there (1m, soft) later that month; she could do with settling better now up in trip but the first-time hood could help in that regard; from top Irish yard and she's a leading candidate.

1/4

10/1

Form: 1-2

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
By Study Of Man from a fine family for these connections, that of the 2008 Oaks winner Look Here; this filly has a strikingly similar profile to her, having won sole start as 2yo (1m on heavy) and come second in Listed race on reappearance; the latter race was at Newbury (1m2f, good to firm; 10-1) three weeks ago when getting to grips with Qilin Queen took some time but there was just a short head between them at the line; while her own dam was soundly beaten at 40-1 in her 2014 Oaks, this filly should find improvement over the extra 2f; it's very much needed but she is promising.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

(6)

23rd May 2026

Soft

1m 2f 100y

Class 1

13:45 Haydock

Revoir

9st 2lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: Ralph Beckett

0-7 since winning on 2yo debut in October 2024 but she finished close-up in a few Listed/Group 3 races last season (1m2f-1m4f, various ground) and she might be the type to improve with age; not ruled out on reappearance.

6/1

7th

9

(5)

25th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

15:45 Newbury

Revoir

8st 11lb

J: Edward Greatrex

T: Ralph Beckett

Sole 2yo race was a heavy-ground win in October; short-headed in 1m2f Listed race here in May on reappearance, the first of three seconds this season and one of those was on "very soft" ground over 10.5f in France (the only time she's worn cheekpieces); Newmarket (1m4f Group 3) four weeks ago saw her first Group-race assignment since the Oaks and she ran well this time, in third, but much better is nevertheless required today in the returning headgear.

10/1

8

(9)

26th Sep 2025

Good

1m 4f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newmarket

Revoir

8st 12lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Beaten a head by Miss Justice at Salisbury (1m2f, good to firm) last month and posted another close Listed second at Longchamp (10.5f, very soft) three weeks ago; has hinted today's step back up in trip could prompt further improvement and this 3yo is one to consider.

7/1

Form: 1-4

Last run: 33 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
By Dubawi out of very smart mare who was unraced beyond 1m2f; justified 4-6 favouritism in novice at Kempton (7f, AW) last August; that was her solitary race until 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) in which she was a weak 22-1 but always prominent to finish fourth of ten, just over 2l behind Desert Flower; this is 1m4f but going up to at least 1m2f should suit and, after just two races, she should still have significant potential.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

(5)

26th Sep 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

13:15 Newmarket

Elwateen

9st 0lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Ran well in the 1,000 Guineas over C&D (good to firm) on only her second start, then looked a non-stayer in the Oaks; no apparent excuses in another Group 1 last time but this drop back in class gives her a major chance.

100/30

6

(8)

11th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

1m 0f 0y

Class 1

15:35 Newmarket (July)

Elwateen

9st 0lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Saeed bin Suroor

Successful in sole 2yo start; pitched into Classics this season, good fourth in the 1,000 Guineas (good to firm) then non-stayer in the Oaks; bred to do better yet, being by Dubawi out of a Group 1 scorer, and looks interesting dropped back to 1m with further progress still plausible.

12/1

7th

2

(5)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Elwateen

9st 2lb

J: Jim Crowley

T: Saeed bin Suroor

By Dubawi out of very smart mare who was unraced beyond 1m2f; justified 4-6 favouritism in novice at Kempton (7f, AW) last August; that was her solitary race until 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket (1m, good to firm) in which she was a weak 22-1 but always prominent to finish fourth of ten, just over 2l behind Desert Flower; this is 1m4f but going up to at least 1m2f should suit and, after just two races, she should still have significant potential.

9/1

28/1

Form: 312-31

Last run: 20 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
By Pinatubo out of a 1m4f winner from classy family; unraced on softer than good; won second start as 2yo; placed in Listed events on next two outings before making all at that level in a ten-runner race at Newbury (1m2f, good to firm; raced freely) three weeks ago, hanging on by a short head from Revoir; faces another 2f here and keeping Revoir at bay may prove tricky, let alone finding the improvement she needs to beat all the rest as well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

(3)

21st Aug 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 188y

Class 1

15:35 York

Qilin Queen

9st 0lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Dictated the pace and held on narrowly in Listed event at Newbury (1m2f, good to firm) in May and five-runner Group 2 at Longchamp (1m4f, good to soft) in July; upset a hot favourite in the latter and perhaps being unable to make the running played against her when well beaten in the Oaks in between, with the Epsom track another excuse, but she still has huge work to do if she's to turn the tables on Minnie Hauk.

10/1

8th

6

(7)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Qilin Queen

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Ed Walker

By Pinatubo out of a 1m4f winner from classy family; unraced on softer than good; won second start as 2yo; placed in Listed events on next two outings before making all at that level in a ten-runner race at Newbury (1m2f, good to firm; raced freely) three weeks ago, hanging on by a short head from Revoir; faces another 2f here and keeping Revoir at bay may prove tricky, let alone finding the improvement she needs to beat all the rest as well.

28/1

Form: 1-13

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Filly

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
By Night Of Thunder out of a Lingfield Oaks Trial winner; winning novice events at Lingfield (1m/1m2f, AW) on first two starts showed plenty of promise, which she followed with third of six in the Group 3 Musidora at York (10.3f, good to firm; weak 9-1) 23 days ago; may be able to improve again but Whirl left her nearly 6l behind at York.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

(7)

19th Jun 2025

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

15:40 Ascot

Go Go Boots

9st 2lb

J: William Buick

T: John & Thady Gosden

2-2 (1m/1m2f, AW) before third to subsequent Oaks runner-up Whirl in Group 3 Musidora (10.2f, good to firm; Serenity Prayer a neck ahead in second); well beaten herself in the Oaks but perhaps the slow ground and/or track didn't suit; top stable (runs three) has fine record in this race and she retains potential; not written off in first-time headgear.

16/1

9th

4

(4)

6th Jun 2025

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Go Go Boots

9st 2lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: John & Thady Gosden

By Night Of Thunder out of a Lingfield Oaks Trial winner; winning novice events at Lingfield (1m/1m2f, AW) on first two starts showed plenty of promise, which she followed with third of six in the Group 3 Musidora at York (10.3f, good to firm; weak 9-1) 23 days ago; may be able to improve again but Whirl left her nearly 6l behind at York.

50/1

1

(1)

14th May 2025

Good To Firm

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

15:45 York

Go Go Boots

9st 2lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: John & Thady Gosden

Oaks entry who left a positive impression with her novice wins at Lingfield (AW) in December and 16 days ago, overcoming a slow start on first occasion and always prominent when well on top at 2-11 last time; has much more to do in this line-up but her stable is the dominant one in this race.

9/2

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £23.20
Straight Forecast £36.79
Tricast £61.27
Trifecta £78.60

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Desert Flower

Telegraph:

Minnie Hauk

The Sun:

Elwateen

The Times:

Whirl

SPOTLIGHT:

Wemightakedlongway

LAMBOURN:

Qilin Queen

Daily Record:

Giselle

The Star:

Elwateen

The Guardian:

Minnie Hauk

D Express:

Minnie Hauk

TOPSPEED:

Desert Flower

POSTDATA:

Desert Flower

NEWMARKET:

Desert Flower

Daily Mail:

Desert Flower

Daily Mirror:

Whirl