In the absence of Sea Of Class, David Ord sides with Magic Wand to cast a spell over her Investec Oaks rivals at Epsom on Friday.
BYE BYE BABY Ballydoyle filly and she posted a career best when making all to win the Blue Wind Stakes at the Curragh last time. She proved she gets 10 furlongs there but the trip here is another question to answer.
EJTYAH Unexposed and a lot to like about Musidora third to Give And Take at York. She’s the sort to progress with experience and a trip this season but the worry is this is a very stern test at a still relatively early stage of her education.
FLATTERING Team O’Brien and seemingly had her limitations exposed when third to Perfect Clarity in the Lingfield trial. Her best form is with plenty of cut in the ground so the forecast midweek showers would be in her favour.
FOREVER TOGETHER: Went into many a notebook when chasing home stablemate Magic Wand in the Cheshire Oaks, conceding first run having been hampered turning for home. She should get closer today and is bred to develop into a top-notch middle-distance filly.
GIVE AND TAKE Tenacious filly who again showed a tremendous attitude to win the Musidora at York. She should get this trip and won’t go down without a fight but she needs to take another step forward going up to this elite level.
I CAN FLY Subject of a persistent whisper and significant gamble ahead of the QIPCO 1000 Guineas but in the end could finish only 11th. Clearly better was expected but she hardly screamed Oaks winner that day.
MAGIC WAND A well-bred filly who whizzed around Chester last time. This track shouldn’t hold any fears and while there may have been hard luck stories in behind at the Roodeye – they shouldn’t detract from her performance there. She quickened smartly and relished every yard of the trip. She needs much more here but looks a filly to follow and there’s no knowing how high she’ll fly.
PERFECT CLARITY Unbeaten in two starts, the latest being in the Lingfield Oaks Trial. She stayed on well that day despite her rider losing his whip and track and the trip holds no fears. She’s another of the improving trial winners to stick on a long shortlist.
WILD ILLUSION Group One winner at two and lot to like about her fourth in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas on her first run back. Along with Magical she sets the form standard but going into the unknown at this trip and in against a raft of potential significant improvers.
VERDICT: In the absence of Sea Of Class I'm siding with MAGIC WAND who looked a filly with a bright future at Chester and trip, track and going should hold no fears. Wild Illusion brings the best form to the table and will be there thereabouts while Perfect Clarity is another trial winner on the up who looks to hold solid pace claims.
1st Magic Wand
2nd Wild Illusion
3rd Perfect Clarity
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