Epsom Oaks Day 2025 Detailed Betting Guide

Epsom Oaks Day is a highlight of the flat season and this guide offers context, market insight and sensible betting approaches for the key races. Read on to complement the selections already published and to help you make informed, responsible choices on race day.

How to approach Oaks Day markets responsibly

Betting is for adults only — 18+ — and should be treated as entertainment, never a way to make money or solve financial problems. You can explore current bookmaker offers through our comparison tools if you choose to bet responsibly, and always set limits before you wager.

There’s been plenty of talk ahead of this weekend, but it’s now time for the finalised fancies on Epsom Oaks Day 2025.

I look forward to this weekend every year, for obvious reasons. The uniqueness and complexities of Epsom are unmatched, and the sheer unknown that surrounds a few of these Classic hopefuls is always intriguing.

Below, I have three bets for the day, including a 16/1-shot in the Oaks. Let’s go.

Epsom Oaks Day 2025 Selections

1:30 Epsom – Hallasan @ 7/2 with William Hill – 1pt Win

I want to take on Diego Ventura in the Listed Surrey Stakes as I’m not too sold on his form/ability, and Hallasan is a worthy horse to do this with.

He should richly enjoy the return to seven furlongs having run over six at Ascot in April on what was his first UK start of 2025.

His two other runs of this year came in Meydan, one of which was when seventh behind stablemate Ruling Court, and the other saw him beat his other stablemate Al Qudra.

That effort in the Jumeirah Guineas didn’t go to plan as he wasn’t able to dictate from the front. This is something he did in the Jumeirah Guineas Trial, and he could well get the same liberty tomorrow as he is one of the main pace angles alongside The Waco Kid.

As a juvenile, he beat the subsequent French Derby winner, Camille Pisarro, in the Weatherbys Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes, and he looked very good when winning a Nottingham maiden on good to soft ground in July.

With race fitness on his side, the step up in trip should suit, and he’s my play.

4:00 Epsom – Minnie Hauk @ 9/2 with William Hill (1pt Win) & Wemightakedlongway @ 14/1 with William Hill (3 places) (0.5pt EW)

I’m really looking forward to the Oaks. If Desert Flower duly obliges on her first start at 1m4f with rain-softened ground, then that will be an epic performance.

For me, however, I’m backing Minnie Hauk and Wemightakedlongway, who were 1-2 in a Cork maiden last October.

Joseph O’Brien’s daughter of Australia was the winner that day, and she looked very impressive. She even went off a very competitive 2/1 on the day, with Minnie Hauk priced at 13/8, so there was obviously some confidence behind her.

From there, Wemightakedlongway went to the Group 3 Eyrefield Stakes 18 days later and finished a respectable third behind Sigh No More and Trinity College. The latter has since finished fourth in the Prix du Jockey Club.

Her fifth to Delacroix and Lambourn in the Ballysax Stakes was a reasonable effort on her seasonal reappearance, and she sprinted through the line on soft ground over 1m2f in the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes.

She will handle any cut in the ground, and I’m intrigued by this step up in trip.

As for Minnie Hauk, for her first run of the season, she was impressive in the Cheshire Oaks. As with all Aidan O’Brien-trained runners, one can expect her to come on for the run, especially due to her size as she does look like a big filly.

Away from the form book, a look at her pedigree would excite anyone as she is by Frankel out of Kingman’s half-sister, Multilingual. That also makes her a half-sister to Tilsit, a Group 2 Summer Mile Stakes winner.

The rain will be of no hindrance to her chances, so I’ll keep her on side.

Oh, and Qilin Queen has been on my radar for this race ever since Newbury, but I have a bad feeling that the ground might have gone against her. Out of the Sea The Stars mare Seagull (good to firm winner), her half-brother, Savvy Knight, saved his best form for better ground and has been a non-runner on soft before. It’s a real shame for connections, but she is still a smart horse for this season.

Assessing form, fitness and course suitability

When evaluating Oaks Day runners, balance recent form with course-specific evidence; Epsom’s cambers and undulations demand a horse with balance and previous handling of sharp turns. A recent run that shows stamina and an ability to pick up on testing ground is more valuable than a single flashy win on a flat track.

Check whether the horse has raced on similar ground and over comparable trip distances, and note any significant equipment or jockey changes that could affect performance. Small details — such as a late-race finish on softer ground or experience around a turning circuit — often separate place claims from winners at Epsom.

How to size your stakes for Classics days

Apply a clear staking plan and treat each selection as part of a budgeted entertainment allowance rather than an income source. Consider smaller each-way stakes for bigger-priced hopes and concentrate bigger stakes on selections with robust form and course credentials.

Interpreting trainer and jockey trends at Epsom

Trainers with consistent Classic records — particularly those who target Epsom with proven fillies or colts — should be respected, but beware of blind devotion to names without supporting form. Jockeys who have ridden well at Epsom, showing an eye for timing and balance, can extract extra value on days when race shape is crucial.

Use recent stable form to gauge likely improvement or decline, and pay attention to how a trainer has placed runners in the build-up to the Oaks week. A yard that primes horses with a specific campaign plan for Epsom is often giving its runners the best opportunity on the day.

Using bookmaker comparisons and free bet offers

Comparing odds across bookmakers is a sensible way to find the best price, and free-bet offers can add extra value if you understand the terms and use them selectively. We list current offers on our free bets page and you can use those comparison tools to make an informed, responsible choice.

Ground, draw and pace: key race day variables

Ground conditions can dramatically reshape the Oaks market; a drying surface tends to favour horses with a turn of foot, while soft ground puts a premium on stamina and a strong, sustained gallop. Likewise, draw bias and likely pace scenario can either suit front-runners or set up a closer for a late surge.

Map out which runners are likely to lead, which will sit mid-division, and which are held up; that picture often determines whether a long-priced runner has a real chance. At Epsom the combination of pace collapse or a strongly run race can both produce surprise results, so factor both into your assessment.

Responsible gambling: limits, checks and support

If you choose to bet, set deposit and loss limits and use bookmaker account tools to manage time and spend, and seek help if gambling stops being entertaining. GamCare and GamStop provide support and self-exclusion options in the UK for those who need them.

Value betting, stakes and sensible bankroll rules

Value emerges when you have a clear view of a horse’s chance that exceeds the market price, but avoid forcing value where your view is speculative. Back only where conviction is present and sizes reflect the uncertainty — long shots get smaller stakes, confidence warrants larger but controlled bets.

Record your bets and review performance objectively after the meeting; patterns in success and failure are useful for refining future selections. Treat post-race analysis as a tool for improvement rather than a reason to chase losses or increase stakes.

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Frequently asked questions about Epsom Oaks day

Can newcomers bet responsibly on Oaks Day markets?

Yes — newcomers should start small, set clear limits, and use bookmaker tools for deposit and time controls. Treat betting as entertainment and avoid staking more than you can afford to lose.

How does ground affect Oaks Day form and selections?

Soft ground usually favours stamina-rich types while firmer ground suits horses with a turn of foot; adjust your view of each runner accordingly. Past performance on similar going is a useful guide for selection.

Should I favour trainers with Epsom Classics experience?

Experience at the course and in Classics can be an advantage, but always prioritise current form and suitability to the race conditions. No trainer name guarantees a result; evidence-based judgement is key.

Are each-way bets sensible for big-field Classics?

Each-way bets can be sensible where the market is competitive and several runners have solid place prospects, especially at bigger prices. Ensure you understand the place terms being offered before placing an each-way wager.

Is it important to compare bookmaker odds before betting?

Yes — comparing odds helps you find the best price and maximises potential return for the same stake, which is a simple way to add value. Use reputable comparison tools and check offer terms.

What responsible steps should I take before placing a bet?

Set a budget, decide stakes beforehand, use bookmaker account limits, and avoid chasing losses or increasing stakes after defeats. If gambling becomes a problem, seek support from UK services such as GamCare or GamStop.

Do free bets change the way I should approach selection?

Free bets can add value but never change the underlying assessment of a runner’s chance; use them to try bets you might otherwise avoid, while being mindful of wagering requirements. Read offer terms carefully to understand any restrictions.