Betting
The Oaks: Three Antepost Selections to Consider
A trio of fillies to keep an eye on for the Epsom Classic, the Oaks
With the flat season fully underway, punters are beginning to pick apart the Classics in hope of finding some value, including the Oaks.
With several talented three-year-old fillies throwing their hat into the ring this season, it could be difficult to pinpoint who could perform on the Epsom Downs in June.
Here are three runners to consider for the Oaks this season.
JOAN OF ARC (25/1 – Various)
A filly that has shown bags of promise as a two-year-old, Aidan O’Brien could well have another superstar on his hands if Joan Of Arc lives up to expectation.
An unlucky second on her debut in November, the three-year-old delivered on her seasonal reappearance last month after staying on well to win by a length-and-a-quarter at the Curragh.
Her pedigree is very exciting to say the least, with her being a full sister to 2000 Guineas winner Gleneagles and Irish 1000 Guineas victor Happily.
With a 25/1 price tag as it stands, Joan Of Arc could represent huge value in a few months’ time should she continue to progress.
NOON STAR (33/1 – William Hill)
Sir Michael Stoute’s filly could develop in a top-class contender this season, with 33/1 a very tempting price for the daughter of Galileo.
A full-sister to Sandown Classic Trial winner Midterm and foaled by six-time Group 1 winner Midday, the three-year-old has the potential to land a black-type success this term.
After finishing in the places on her debut, she was stepped up to over a mile where she made use of the extra furlong impressively, winning by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
She could thrive at the further distance in this contest and should be one to watch out for in the trials for the Oaks.
SEA EMPRESS (25/1 – bet365, Sky Bet + William Hill)
Whether William Haggas’s filly will head to the Epsom Downs is unknown, but she is one of watch this season nevertheless.
Daughter of the incredible Sea The Stars, the three-year-old impressed on her first start in October in a Maiden fillies’ stakes at Newcastle.
Taking on Roger Varian’s promising talent Teona, she travelled smoothly late on from the back, before pushing on to win comfortably by a length.
However, the Oaks could be a big ask for Sea Empress, who will need to prove herself in contests that could be considered more challenging.
If Haggas’ runner can combat that, then she could well be overpriced here.
