12 Jun 2019
Nine runners go to post for the 1m4f Fillies’ Classic at Epsom on Friday (4.30pm), yet this year’s renewal of the Investec Oaks would appear to be one of the most open in recent times.
The £500,000 feature on Ladies’ Day is not short of potential star quality, despite the defection of unbeaten Lah Ti Dah, who was the ante-post favourite before being ruled out with injury earlier this week.
By default, the Charlie Appleby-trained Wild Illusion now heads the Investec Epsom Oaks betting market. Successful in the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Chantilly last October, the Dubawi filly was a staying-on fourth of 15 in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket last month.
Godolphin trainer Appleby has been in tremendous early-season form and has always thought of Wild Illusion as a middle-distance type.
He said: “She has come out of the Guineas well and she has definitely come forward for that run. We have always said that we cannot wait to step her up in trip and we feel that is going to be her forte.”
“Her dam is a staying mare and Wild Illusion has shown from last year all the indications that going up in trip is going to suit her.
“She has taken the Guineas well and we are looking forward to running.
“She is a very straightforward filly - ever since day one. She has raced close to the pace in the past because we always felt she just wants a trip.
“Going the mile and a half, she is versatile and is not keen. I am sure William (Buick) will work out the pace on the day and decide where he needs to be in the race.”
Aidan O’Brien has won the Oaks six times, the last coming two years’ ago with the brilliant Minding. He is responsible for no less than five of the field, saddling Magic Wand, Forever Together, Bye Bye Baby, and outsiders I Can Fly and Flattering.
Magic Wand found plenty going her way in the Cheshire Oaks on her seasonal debut, having been accorded a soft lead. She quickened clear off the final bend and was in little danger thereafter, recording a three and a half-length victory from stablemate Together Forever. Magic Wand is the choice of jockey Ryan Moore and is currently second favourite for the Investec Oaks. The runner-up was a little unfortunate, having been stuck in a pocket when the pace quickened, which is not uncommon at Chester’s tight circuit. She would have finished a lot closer had she seen a clearer path.
Bye Bye Baby has had two starts this term, latterly making all in a Group 3 at the Curragh, having taken a big step forward from her seasonal bow, as many of Aidan O’Brien’s runners do. The step up in trip for the Investec Epsom Oaks looks certain to suit this daughter of Galileo.
William Haggas, who won the Oaks in 2011 with Dancing Rain, relied upon York’s Musidora winner Give And Take, and while they all finished in a bit of a heap, the Cityscape filly made eye-catching late progress, having been held up and won a shade cosily.
Verdict
Wild Illusion is blessed with stamina and while her odds for the Investec Epsom Oaks are fairly restrictive, she can provide Godolphin with a fourth Oaks win after Balanchine (1994), Moonshell (1995, owned in partnership with Maktoum Al Maktoum) and Kazzia (2002). She ran a fine race in defeat in the Guineas on her comeback and with her pedigree a nice mixture of stamina and speed, can give jockey William Buick his first English Classic.
