Aidan O’Brien’s stranglehold on the Oaks Stakes looks set to continue as Savethelastdance is the 2.25 favourite with William Hill for Friday’s big race at Epsom.
Ten-time winning trainer O’Brien has won the past three editions and six of the last eight of the 1 mile 4 furlong Group 1 for 3-year-old fillies, first run in 1779.
Savethelastdance also has the same owners and jockey as the 2022 winner, Tuesday, on whom Ryan Moore won his third Oaks.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: June 1st, 10:00 A.M. (BST)
Fifth on debut in October, Savethelastdance has won both her races this season, a maiden at Leopardstown in April before winning by 22 lengths in a 1 mile 3 ½ furlong Class 1 at Chester last month.
The only trainer other than O’Brien to win this race in the last nine years is John Gosden. He and his son Thady have the next two in the market, starting with Soul Sister at 3.50, who will be giving Frankie Dettori his final ride in the race.
A six-time winner, Dettori was successful in 2017, 2019 and 2021. Will his run of winning in alternate years continue in 2023? Last of 12 over 7 furlongs at Newbury in April, Soul Sister bounced right back at York in May, winning the Group 3 Musidora Stakes over 1 mile 2 ½ furlongs.
Next up for the Gosdens is Running Lion at 7.00, ridden by Oisin Murphy. A winner of all her last four races, Running Lion has been more successful over the longer distances, winning at Newmarket last time out over 1 mile 2 furlongs.
Each way backers will take note of Eternal Hope at 15.00 for Charlie Appleby, with William Buick on board. She won on the all-weather over this distance at Lingfield last month, beating Be Happy (34.00) into second.
Be Happy is another of the O’Brien contingent, who was ridden by Ryan Moore that day, but will be partnered by Seamie Heffernan this weekend.
Heartache Tonight (21.00) is aiming to take the title for France and trainer David Menuisier. Cristian Demurro has ridden her in her three career runs, most recently a fourth in the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp.
Caernarfon beat plenty of more fancied fillies to finish fourth in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, while Maman Joon was second at Newbury in April in her only race so far under rules. Both are 41.00 shots.
Aidan O’Brien’s third entrant is Red Riding Hood (51.00), ridden by Wayne Lordan, while Bright Diamond and Sea Of Roses (67.00) complete the 11-strong field.
