Betfred Oaks Preview: Dance Sequence and Rivals

Form, Ground and Trainer Notes Ahead of the Oaks

This preview complements the existing race coverage and focuses on form lines, ground considerations and likely run styles for the Betfred Oaks at Epsom.

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As Friday signals the start of Epsom Derby Weekend, with a decimated field in the Coronation Cup, The Oaks can spring a surprise in the shape of Dance Sequence.

The third of five unofficial classics this term, this race last year was won by Frankie Dettori and Soul Sister, not seen since last July’s Prix de Paris.

Nevertheless, the previous year’s victors have set up a run for Royal Ascot, likely in the Ribblesdale Stakes.

And, in the case of Godolphin, 29 years on from their last Oaks victory, Charlie Appleby and Will Buick could finally be on to a good thing.

False dawn?

Coming into the new flat season, Dance Sequence looked poised for a fruitful campaign.

However, after falling short in the Nell Gwyn last month, something of a no-show followed at Newmarket in the 1000 Guineas.

His admirers have since fallen by the wayside, but the Oaks presents the perfect opportunity to show her undoubted pedigree.

Stealing in

The daughter of former Irish 2000 Guineas winner, Dubawi, much is still expected of Dance Sequence.

This weekend, she will likely go off at around the 18/1 mark with Betfred, but that will do little to discourage the Newmarket stable.

Indeed, as we have already seen this term, Notable Speech nipped in to win the 2000 Guineas at a lofty 14/1 for the famous blue silks.

Taking down AP

Dance Sequence’s biggest competition looks to be the ominous presence of Ylang Ylang.

As Aidan O’Brien looks for a 11th Oaks title, the King of Ballydoyle has won this race seven times since 2012.

Like Dance Sequence, the filly has her own questions to answer after finishing fifth behind the revelation that was Elmalka.

Ylang Ylang gets home to win the bet365 Fillies’ Mile 🥇

Tactical perfection! 👌#ITVRacing | @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/XFG2mWa38z

— ITV Racing (@itvracing) October 13, 2023

And like Godolphin’s hope here, comes from rich racing blood in the shape of Frankel.

Yes the posers are there for Ylang Ylang, but with the softer ground, the filly looks better set to impress.

The going for the 1000 Guineas was good and her last two wins have been on soft turf.

And boy, did this girl finish strong last October in the Fillies’ Mile.

Outsiders

Dance Sequence is currently one of the bigger outsiders for the Oaks, but two other runners at similar prices have decent chances.

Not least Secret Satire, who proved a liking for faster ground as a sensational 22/1 winner of the Musidora at the Dante Festival.

She could have issues with the turf on Friday, but then again posers were answered emphatically last time out.

Secret Satire is on the table at 11/1 with Unibet.

Meanwhile, Trainer Ralph Beckett will quietly like the chances of his own Forest Fairy, who is unbeaten in two races.

One of the few runners who have gone the trip – albeit on the AW – can she double up after the Cheshire Oaks earlier this month at 15/2 with 888sport?

The 2024 Betfred Oaks takes place on Friday 31 May, race time 4:30pm.

Assessing Dance Sequence’s claims and programme

Dance Sequence has a profile that blends stamina potential with classic family form, and Friday’s soft to yielding turf may better suit her breeding than the faster tracks where she has struggled this season.

If the colt-to-stallion lines from Dubawi are to be believed, a step up in trip and a patient ride could unlock improvement, which is why connections appear content to keep her in at Epsom despite recent setbacks.

Trainer notes: Charlie Appleby and team preparations

Charlie Appleby tends to place fillies to maximise long-term value rather than forcing one target, so Dance Sequence’s Oaks entry suggests genuine belief in her staying potential.

Expect a measured preparation and a race plan that aims to conserve energy early to produce a strong finish in the straight, particularly if the ground stays on the softer side.

Ylang Ylang and Ballydoyle’s Oaks prospects

Ylang Ylang carries classic form and the weight of Ballydoyle experience, but soft ground and a stiff 1m4f test on Epsom’s unique undulations will be her true exam.

Aidan O’Brien often targets the Oaks with fillies who will improve for a step up in trip and a change of tactics, so consideration should be given to how she is likely to be ridden early on the downhill and around Tattenham Corner.

Ylang Ylang: pedigree, ground and stamina cues

By Frankel, she inherits a note of class and a tendency to appreciate cut in the ground, which aligns with her two juvenile wins on softer turf last season.

Her late finishes suggest a strong engine, but Epsom requires balance between staying power and agility, so a tidy, well-timed move will be essential.

Value outsiders: Secret Satire and Forest Fairy

Secret Satire showed that she stays well over 1m2f at Dante, and if the scope is there to get a mile-and-a-half in her pedigree she becomes a live each-way contender on a drying surface.

Forest Fairy’s unbeaten record underlines potential, but the step up to the Oaks trip and the switch from AW form to true turf will determine whether she can follow a progressive path into these bigger conditions.

Market moves and best-price considerations

As with most Classics, early market moves can signal stable confidence or fresh information, so monitoring starting prices and changes across the board is an informative discipline for bettors looking to compare value.

Shopping around for the best available price through comparison tools reduces variance in small stakes and remains a sensible, non-pressurised approach to engaging with bookmakers.

Race tactics, pace and likely race scenarios

Epsom often rewards a ride that avoids early trouble and times the run well through the dip into Tattenham Corner and back up the hill, so front-runners and mid-division closers both have plausible routes to victory depending on pace.

If the race develops with a strong early tempo, stamina-laden types like Dance Sequence could be favoured, while a tactical, slow-run race would play into the hands of powerful finishing types such as Ylang Ylang.

Pace map: early leaders and stamina tests

Identify likely front-runners early in betting and watch how jockey bookings line up; a committed early ride from a non-stayer can compromise the field and hand advantage to those positioned to pounce late.

Assess horses that have carried their speed over middle distances as opposed to those with only AW sprint records, since Epsom’s undulations demand a combination of speed and sustained stamina.

Weather, going reports and their implications

Weather remains a live factor for Friday and the official going declaration will be decisive for punters and form analysts, particularly because several contenders have shown strong preferences for either soft or good ground.

Always consult official going updates and monitor rain forecasts in the hours before the race if you are comparing how each runner’s form translates to the expected surface on the day.

Bookmaker offers, comparing odds and best practice

Comparing odds across reputable UK bookmakers helps spot relative value without implying that any outcome is certain, and small differences in price can add up if staking sensibly over a season.

You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly, and always check terms and eligibility for new customer offers.

Betting responsibly and staking advice for enthusiasts

Decide a staking plan before the card and avoid chasing losses; treat betting as entertainment with controlled outlay rather than a source of income or a solution to financial issues.

If you are concerned about your gambling habits, consult recognised support services and consider self-exclusion tools offered by licensed operators.

Summary and final pointers before race day

Dance Sequence is an intriguing outsider with staying blood, while Ylang Ylang and Secret Satire bring class and recent form that cannot be overlooked on paper.

On race day check the official going, post-position draw and any late jockey changes, and use bookmaker comparison sites to inform responsible decisions rather than to chase unrealistic returns.

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Frequently asked questions on the 2024 Betfred Oaks

How can I compare bookmaker free bets offers?

Use comparison tools that list odds, free bet terms and expiry details across licensed UK bookmakers and focus on reputable firms regulated by the UKGC.

What should I consider about the ground at Epsom?

Check the official going on race day and compare it with each filly’s form on similar surfaces; soft ground tends to favour those with proven cut in their recent runs.

Is there a clear favourite for the Oaks this year?

Market leaders change as information arrives; always assess the full form book and avoid assuming a market leader guarantees success, as Classics often produce surprises.

Can juveniles or AW performers handle the Oaks trip?

Some juvenile stars and AW winners step up successfully, but stamina and balance at 1m4f on Epsom’s undulations are the key determinants rather than juvenile class alone.

Where can I find reliable race day updates?

Follow official racecards, steward declarations and licensed racing news outlets for late changes, and use bookmaker markets for live-implied sentiment while remaining critical of late drift.

What responsible gambling steps should I take before betting?

Set deposit and loss limits, decide stakes in advance and never treat betting as a way to make money; seek help if betting becomes problematic and use self-exclusion if needed.

Are bookmaker odds the best indicator of form?

Odds reflect market expectations and bookmaker liability as much as form; use them alongside form study, trainer comments and ground-readiness rather than relying on them exclusively.

Is this content suitable for under-18s?

No. This page is intended for readers aged 18 and over and contains information for adults only; under-18s should not engage with gambling services.