bet365 Lancashire Oaks (Fillies' And Mares' Group 2)

Off time: 14:40 | Winning time: 2m 36.15s

(4)

Estrange³⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: D Tudhope| T: D O'Meara| OR: 114| CD

2/7

Fetched 425,000 gns as a yearling and made a highly promising start to her career in 2024, winning 2 of her 3 starts. Did the job in good style when landing the C&D Pinnacle Stakes (good) on return in May and there's no telling just how good she may turn out to be.

Form: 171-1

(2)

Scenic³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 9-7| J: James Doyle| T: E Walker| OR: 107| D

3/1

Won twice in 2024 and has made further progress this season, chasing home Shaha on return in a Goodwood listed race before going one better in the Group 3 Bronte Cup at York (13.8f, firm). Fair bit to find with Estrange on a line through Shaha, but this likeable mare should give it a good shot.

Form: 5314-21

(1)

Love Talk¹⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: Jason Hart| T: Grant Tuer| OR: 85

100/1

Won twice as a 2-y-o, but she hasn't shown anywhere near enough in 3 starts this year to suggest she'll be able to lay a glove on Estrange or Scenic.

Form: 147-394

(3)

Nuit³⁰

Age: 3| Weight: 8-9| J: H Crouch| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 91

25/1

Pretty useful maiden who went close in a 1½m Leopardstown handicap in May and then acquitted herself well in listed company over the same C&D. Looks sure to pick up a race before long, but more minor place money is the most likely scenario here.

Form: 33-425

Forecasts

Estrange (2/7), Scenic (3/1), Nuit (25/1), Love Talk (100/1)

ESTRANGE and Scenic are usually held up, so connections of both will be hoping that one of the 3-y-os elects to go on and ensure that this doesn't become tactical. Both Nuit and Love Talk have made the running in the past, with the latter perhaps the most likely candidate for the front-running role, but ultimately this will rest between Estrange and Scenic. Ready preference is for the former who looked a Group 1 filly in the making when scoring in fine style on her reappearance over this C&D.