Epsom nap June 3: Emily Upjohn to uphold Musidora impression in Oaks
Emily Upjohn and Frankie Dettori after winning the Musidora
It’s that exciting time of year when the Classics are in focus and Planet Sport’s Jonathan Doidge has a tip for the fillies’ Blue Riband, the Oaks, on Friday June 3.
The Cazoo Oaks is always a race to savour and Friday's should be no different. Aidan O'Brien has an excellent record in the race and has more than one contender once again but I fancy the favourite Emily Upjohn to prevail.
I was at York last month when she won the Group 3 Musidora in fine style and the visual impression she left was strong.
John Gosden told me after that race that she is exuberant but not in a negative way and if she can settle even better, which he expects her to do race-on-race, she will prove significantly better than we have already seen. Gosden is not a man given to hyperbole and his confidence in her was significant.
Runners who come into this off the back of a career-best, which shows they are still improving, are generally the ones to keep onside. Emily Upjohn has that on her side and she will be very tough to beat.
In terms of trends, she may not have this all her own way because only two of the last ten favourites have won the Oaks, so while she looks a good thing based on that Musidora success and ticks several boxes, she may not be infallible.
Contrary to market leadership being an advantage, there have actually been three big-priced winners of this fillies' Classic in the past decade, with Concert Hall's dam Was a 20/1 chance when scoring in 2012, Talent returning the same SP a year later and Qualify springing a 50/1 surprise in with her 2015 success.
Those looking for an each-way alternative at a price could do worse than side with Concert Hall who looks a value bet if you can get the 8/1 that is still available. I really liked that Irish 1,000 Guineas effort and she may be able to turn the tables with Tuesday now that both step up to this trip for the first time.
