Crockford considers the Oaks

Crockford has made no secret of his favoured filly for the Oaks, The Fugue, but here he takes a moment to reflect on the other fancies in the field.

Vow - What a fairytale would be in the making if Harry Herbert and the Highclere team could start a classic double with Vow in the Oaks and follow up with Bonfire in the Derby? This evidently talented filly ran so greenly at Lingfield in the Oaks Trial that she could do nothing but impress when she found her second gear and pulled away to win. Unbeaten and the apple of the Haggas' eye she has to at least make a place. She could be each way value if you can still find 11/2 tomorrow.

Maybe - One of six entries from O'Brien's yard and the choice of his son. This filly was impressive as a two year (especially in winning the Moyglare). The third in the Guineas could be excused due to the ground and the pull away tactics of Homecoming Queen. However, there may be more each way value with some of her stablemates - Twirl and Kissed.

Kailani - Barzalona will hope for another classic winner on the Epsom Downs with this mount for Godolphin. An excellent display in the Pretty Polly on softer ground at Newmarket shows her staying potential. Unbeaten she could be anything but Crockford feels that they may be better in the field.

The Fugue - This Gosden filly has gathered a lot of support since her Musidora win. That day she had a fancied O'Brien filly behind her in Twirl and the Nell Gwyn winner in a distant third. Crockford is certain that she will hit the right note tomorrow and will send the bookies fleeing. 

Crockford's prediction:

1 THE FUGUE
2 Vow
3 Maybe


Each way value - Twirl at 50/1