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Love and Frankly Darling among eight in Oaks

3 minute read

O’Brien and Gosden contenders dominate Epsom market.

Market leaders Love  and Frankly Darling  head a field of eight for the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Saturday.

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

Love has been the ante-post favourite since her convincing victory in the Qipco 1000 Guineas and she now bids to become the first filly since Minding in 2016 to win both Classics.

Her trainer Aidan O'Brien also saddles Ennistymon and Passion as he seeks a seventh Oaks success.

Ennistymon was second to Frankly Darling in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

FRANKLY DARLING winning the Ribblesdale Stakes at Ascot in England.
FRANKLY DARLING winning the Ribblesdale Stakes at Ascot in England. Picture: Pat Healy Photography

The latter, a daughter of Frankel, landed that Group Two prize on only her third start. Her trainer John Gosden has won the Oaks three times in the last six years, as has O'Brien.

Gosden has a second string to his bow in Tiempo Vuela, while trainer Roger Varian is also doubly represented – with Gold Wand and Queen Daenerys.

Peter Chapple-Hyam's Bharani Star completes the octet.

The three withdrawals at the 48-hour final declaration stage were the O'Brien-trained Peaceful, who heads to France for the Prix de Diane Longines on Sunday, Dubai Love and Oriental Mystique.


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