Expert Analysis

A race with a fabulous roll of honour, going back to my early memories of the race with Sariska in 2009, who of course famously landed the Oaks double later that year (remember that clip of a motionless Jamie Spencer at the Curragh). In recent years, Snowfall and Emily Upjohn have won this race before going on to achieve great things, while Soul Sister was impressive here before winning the Epsom Classic.

This year’s winner, Legacy Link, put herself right in the middle of a somewhat murky Oaks picture, with few viable alternatives to the current favourite. Legacy Link got the better of Felicitas inside the final furlong after a decent battle between the pair, in a race that was run at a good pace with the first three home all just marginally over the 100% finishing speed percentage.

LEGACY LINK promised to appreciate this step up in trip both on her juvenile efforts and her pedigree. She saw this out despite the strong pace, but she wasn’t flying at the finish here. She was keen early and travelled strongly into the race before hitting the front with three furlongs left to run. John and Thady Gosden’s filly had a battle with Felicitas in the penultimate furlong before getting on top inside the final 100 yards. She was still quite green and further improvement is expected in that regard too, although settling her in the early stages will be important at Epsom.

FELICITAS is a much bigger price for Oaks glory, despite this close second. Her final furlong effort wasn’t quite as strong as the winner’s and she would seem less likely to stay the trip next month, if that is the route connections decide. It is also worth noting that she had the benefit of a recent run prior to this.

K SARRA appreciated this step up in trip following a disappointing effort at Newbury in the Dubai Duty Free (as I referenced in the post-race analysis of that race). She was last for much of the race but was eye-catching in the closing stages and she looks certain to improve over further. She was quicker than the winner for each of the last two furlongs and could outrun her odds if turning up at Epsom.

MOMENTS OF JOY raced in second through the early part of the race but weakened in the final two furlongs.

SEA THE STORM made the early running but had no answer once the pressure came on in the final three furlongs and finished well beaten.