We caught up with Pat Cooney to get his thoughts on the fillies heading to Epsom for the Oaks on Friday.
The third Classic of the season has been won by Aidan O’Brien in each of the last three years, with Love’s rapid victory in 2020 followed by a 16-length triumph for Snowfall the following year and Tuesday’s win in last year’s race.
This year’s renewal will see Savethelastdance (11/10) go off as favourite following her imperious display at Chester and Pat believes it will be four in a row for O’Brien.
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Pat Cooney said: “Whats not to love about her? It’s very interesting to see how her career has progressed. She came out and won a maiden on her reappearance at 20/1 so she obviously didn’t show much at home prior to that win.
“She then travelled over to Chester for the May meeting and won her Oaks trial on testing ground by a long-looking 22 lengths.
“Normally when a horse wins by such a wide margin on testing ground, it’s easy to be cynical and write the form off a little bit.
“However, the time gurus in the office tell me what a good time it was relative to the other performances that day. That is a scary thought really, as she might well be even better on faster ground.
“You could put her in two categories, either she flattered or she could be exceptional. Looking at the times, I don’t think she flattered and she might just be exceptional.
“I think she will stay well, the ground will be even better suited to her. She’s short enough at the top end of the market but she could be the brilliant one in the race.”
Soul Sister will be the closest challenger
Another horse who was impressive in an Oaks trial is Soul Sister (11/4), who was triumphant at 18/1 in the Musidora Stakes at York.
Pat was also impressed with her performance and is all but ruling out anyone challenging the top two in the betting.
“When she made her seasonal reappearance she actually finished last of 12, but that was over seven furlongs on soft ground.
“Connections have abandoned that plan; they moved her up to 10 furlongs next time in the Musidora. Always one of the high-class Oaks trials, she came through and won in really good fashion.
“These two at the top of the market really put together impressive runs last time out, and they’re going to be hard to beat.
“I really can’t see a shock result; these two are quite a long way in front of all the others on form and times.
“I can see them finishing in betting order in this race.”
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Epsom Oaks: Date, how to watch, past winners, latest odds & more
The Epsom Oaks, also known as just The Oaks, is a British Classic open to three-year-old fillies. It is the second leg of the fillies' Triple Crown, and it takes place over one-mile-and-four-furlongs.
bet365 News Team
18 Jun 23
