Epsom Oaks - Race Preview

The third classic of the season is the Epsom Oaks and will take place on Friday. The fillies are on show here, over the distance of 1m4f, and the race often throws up a very good horse and one to follow for the rest of the season. We saw a special filly in Enable win this race last year, and while we don’t look to have anything of that class in the field this season, the final field is still an impressive bunch of horses.

Aidan O’Brien dominates the field and has five of the nine fillies in the field. The best of his may be Magic Wand, who did it very nicely when winning an Oaks trial at Chester. While the test at Chester is very different to that posed at Epsom, the track gives horses something to think about so it is similar in that style to Epsom. As ever, handling the track is a vital part of winning this race and if Magic Wand can do that then she would have a fantastic chance. She has proven her stamina, so the trip will not be a problem while it may pose a problem to others. If you are looking for a win bet in the race then she looks to be the one to side with.

Those looking for value may want to look away from the Aidan O’Brien runners, and elsewhere the horse who really interests me at a price is Give And Take. She stepped up in class last time out and took it in her stride to land the Musidora Stakes at York, and is well worth her place in this field. That race was over 1m2f and the additional distance here looks sure to suit her, she only just got up at York, and would have won by a much bigger margin had that race been ran over further. While she isn’t a confirmed stayer, based on what we have seen from her so far there is a lot to like about her profile, and she should stay based on her run at York.

The favourite for the race is the Godolphin owned Wild Illusion, who is stepping up in trip by half a mile. There has to be a doubt as to whether she will get the extra trip or not, this is a big step up on what is likely to be rain softened ground too. She may prove me wrong, but based on what we have seen and the likely ground, I would want to be against her.

Epsom Oaks Bets

To me the best bet in the race is an each way bet on Give And Take. She is priced up at 10/1 with 10Bet and looks likely to relish the additional trip here. Elsewhere if you are looking to back something to win then Magic Wand ticks a lot of the boxes, and she is sure to get the trip as we have seen her over it before at Chester. She is 9/2 with BetVictor, and being trained by Aidan O’Brien she will be a popular winner should she do it.