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.
