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Hermosa stands ground for Oaks at latest stage

3 minute read

Guineas winner remains part of powerful O’Brien team

Hermosa winning the Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes (Fillies' Group 1)
Hermosa winning the Qipco 1000 Guineas Stakes (Fillies' Group 1) Picture: Pat Healy Photography

Hermosa , the Qipco 1000 Guineas winner, is among five fillies from Aidan O’Brien’s stable in a total of 22 left in the Investec Oaks following the latest scratching stage.

The Ballydoyle handler’s strong hand includes Salsabil Stakes scorer Pink Dogwood, plus Delphinia, Fleeting and Peach Tree.

O’Brien’s son, Joseph, has left last year’s Fillies’ Mile winner Iridessa in the Epsom feature as he keeps all options open for the 1000 Guineas eighth.

“Iridessa has been doing fine since Newmarket and it is likely that she will run next in the Irish 1,000 Guineas,” said the County Kilkenny handler.

“There has been no decision made yet about whether or not she will run in the Investec Oaks.”

He has a second possible string to his bow in Altair.

“She ran well in an Oaks trial last time behind Pink Dogwood. I felt our filly was a bit unlucky, but she will have learnt plenty from that,” he said.

“We have left her in the Investec Oaks as we want to keep all options open.”

Anapurna tops John Gosden’s hopefuls following her convincing victory in the Lingfield Oaks Trial.

The Newmarket trainer has also left in Enable’s half-sister Entitle and Star Catcher.

Gosden could also be represented by Mehdaayih. The impressive Cheshire Oaks scorer would need supplementing at a cost of £30,000 at the six-day confirmation stage on May 25.

Among others in the mix are Pretty Polly Stakes winner Maqsad, Cheshire Oaks second Manuela De Vega, Musidora victor Nausha and Frankellina.
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