bet365 Lancashire Oaks (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares)

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 2m 35.71s

(5)

Hereby²⁷⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Rob Hornby| T: R M Beckett| OR: 96| D

15/2

Typically progressive stayer for this yard, won 1m6f Listed race to make it five wins from last six starts when last seen at Ascot in October. Every chance there is more to come this season and she acts on soft, but this is her toughest test so far.

Form: 131111-

(3)

Makawee²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: D Nolan| T: D O'Meara| OR: 92| D

28/1

David O'Meara's team are in good form and beaten only 1¼L in third behind Antonia De Vega a Pontefract win (1m4f, good; 28-1) last time out; but has plenty to find to score at this level and would do well to get minor placing again.

Form: 2203-53

(4)

Manuela De Vega²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 9-5| J: Harry Bentley| T: R M Beckett| OR: 110| CD

1/2

Epsom Oaks fourth last season and went close in German Group 1 final start at three; ready winner of Group 3 at Haydock on return (made all) with subsequent Hardwicke Stakes winner in second. Still on the up and gives trainer very strong hand here.

Form: 52322-1

(7)

Spirit Of Appin²⁴⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 9-5| J: M Dwyer| T: B J Meehan| OR: 105| D

10/1

Prominent racer won the Group 3 Princess Royal at Newmarket (1m4f, good; 9-1) in September and generally reliable conveyance last season. Goes well fresh but bit to find on paper and won't get any advantage up front seemingly.

Form: 424313-

(6)

Cabaletta²²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-7| J: David Egan| T: R Varian| OR: 95

9/2

Beat Ribblesdale winner Frankly Darling no less on debut at Yarmouth in October and decent second in Listed Abingdon Fillies' Stakes at Newbury (1m2f, good) on return. This is tougher still but could offer more up in trip for yard in flying form.

Form: 1-2

Non-Runners

(1)

Antonia De Vega²⁰

Weight: 9-5| Age: 4

T: R M Beckett J: Harry Bentley

(2)

Dame Malliot²⁹⁷

Weight: 9-5| Age: 4

T: E F Vaughan J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Manuela De Vega (1/2), Antonia De Vega (3/1), Cabaletta (9/2), Dame Malliot (6/1), Hereby (15/2), Spirit Of Appin (10/1), Makawee (28/1)

John Gosden won this five times from 2011 to last year, so those contesting today's renewal will be relieved he's not represented. Ralph Beckett appears eager to take advantage with three of the seven runners and last month's impressive course winner MANUELA DE VEGA could take some stopping in front again. That success was boosted when runner-up Fanny Logan won the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot and she clearly gets on well with Rob Hornby having come close in a German Group 1 last backend. Stablemate Antonia De Vega in the same ownership isn't dismissed in haste while Dame Malliot could well bounce back on seasonal return and both Hereby and Cabaletta are still on the up.