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| Sumita Pawar |
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Aidan O'Brien has an impeccable record when it comes to Irish Oaks winners in the Yorkshire Oaks, and now Savethelastdance is set to join the lineup of successful fillies from the Curragh. O'Brien's streak began in 2006 with Alexandrova, who went on to win the Classic scorers in this top-level event. The following year, Peeping Fawn continued the trend by securing a Nassau victory at Glorious Goodwood. In 2016, Seventh Heaven triumphed over stablemate and subsequent Arc winner, Found. And most recently, Snowfall maintained the 100 percent strike-rate in 2021.
Two out of the four fillies managed to complete the Curragh-York double after facing defeat at Epsom, and Savethelastdance finds herself in a similar position. She finished second to Soul Sister in the Oaks before emerging victorious over Bluestocking in the Irish Classic. Her Racing Post Rating improved by a mere 2lb from Epsom to the Curragh, and her win was far from smooth sailing. Savethelastdance hit a flat spot around three furlongs out but rallied strongly in an impressive display of stamina.
The Irish Oaks victory for Savethelastdance came on soft ground, so the upcoming Yorkshire Oaks will pose a different challenge on a significantly quicker surface for jockey Ryan Moore. Four out of her five runs have been on soft or heavy ground, including a remarkable 22-length win in the Cheshire Oaks, where she recorded her peak RPR. However, her second-place finish at Epsom occurred on good to firm ground.
O'Brien, a six-time winner of the race, expressed confidence in Savethelastdance, stating, "Everything has gone well with her. She's a grand, big, genuine mare, and we think the track will suit her. She won't mind if any rain arrives." On the other hand, O'Brien's stablemate Warm Heart will undoubtedly benefit from a sound surface. Having won the Ribblesdale on good to firm ground, she finished fifth in the Irish Oaks but boasts a 2-2 record on good ground or quicker. James Doyle will be aboard Warm Heart, and he previously completed the Curragh-York double in 2018 with Sea Of Class.
O’Brien said,“Warm Heart got caught back a bit far in the Irish Oaks and a slowly run race probably wasn't to her advantage. She's been in good form since."
Bluestocking's Potential Shines Bright
Bluestocking seems to be the least experienced among the ten runners in this field. However, she has shown great potential for improvement after achieving a career-best second place in the Irish Oaks. Rossa Ryan is taking over from Colin Keane to ride the filly trained by Ralph Beckett. Bluestocking needs to make up half a length from her most recent race against Savethelastdance. Interestingly, Juddmonte silks have been victorious four times in this particular race, with Enable being the most recent winner in 2017 and 2019.
Barry Mahon, racing manager to Juddmonte, said, "She ran a great race at the Curragh and she handled quicker ground fine at Ascot.
“We’re hopeful of another good run. It’s a big task – Savethelastdance is clearly a good filly and Warm Heart will be a different proposition on fast ground – but we’d like to think there’s more improvement in our filly.”
Incredible form is what Al Husn is in! This 4YO mare trained by Roger Varian is a force to be reckoned with, having recently won the prestigious Nassau at Glorious Goodwood. This victory solidifies her status as a top-level contender, having beaten Above The Curve, Nashwa, and Blue Rose Cen in the 1m2f event. Al Husn is now gearing up for the US$6,35,420.50 York test, where she will be stepping up to a mile and a half for the first time. David Egan will be partnering her for the race, having previously won a fillies' handicap on her during Sun Chariot day at Newmarket in October. Unfortunately, regular rider Jim Crowley is suspended due to overuse of the whip on Hukum in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.
Varian said, “She's in great form within herself. It's her first time beyond a mile and a quarter, but she does shape as if she will get the extra distance and I'm glad we'll be doing it on good ground.
“It's a good-sized field and looks an open race. We’re quite excited to run her off the back of a Nassau win and these are the days you look forward to.”