EPSOM DOWNS 16:30 36116v

All 14 ran. Race Distance Adjustment: +14 yds

Time: 2m 36.09s Closing Sectional: (3.44f): 40.1s (110.7%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 121%, Betfair SP 99.1%

The largest field for the Oaks since 2014, but it was definitely a case of quantity over quality, for all that the form of the main trials was well represented, most of the field having achieved a level some way below that required for an average running of the Oaks, that form-pick Maqsad patently failed to stay and favourite Mehdaayih had a horrible run through meaning the race took even less winning than anticipated, the winner at first assessment about the lowest-rated Oaks winner this century, seen to better advantage than most, well positioned in a race run at a sound gallop; it's not hard to imagine that Hermosa would have made short work of these, bred to stay this far and the standout 3-y-o filly in Britain and Ireland so far this year.

ANAPURNA got worked up beforehand, not uncommon for one by Frankel, but clearly that had no impact on her performance as she progressed again in this significantly higher grade, a rare boost for the Lingfield trial, her success a fine achievement too by her owner/breeders who have been well served by her family over the last 30 years; prominent, shaken up over 3f out, led briefly over 2f out, driven after, stayed on to lead again well inside final 1f, ridden out; likely to stay beyond 1½m; she was seen to maximum advantage, the runner-up perhaps the better prospect in the longer term, but this was just her fourth start and, given how good her trainer is with slightly tricky types, she is open to further improvement, that a break until the late-summer was suggested afterwards clearly an indication she might well need building up again after these exertions.

PINK DOGWOOD (IRE) a scopey filly and clearly the type to make a better 3-y-o, stepped up on the abundant promise of her reappearance, up 2f in trip, clearly a smart filly and with more to offer, though for the second time on the afternoon a sweeping move to the front on the outside from Moore failed to bring the victory that looked almost certain, the effort perhaps telling against a filly better positioned through the race, rather than that she was outstayed; held up, travelled well, good headway early in straight, led 2f out, ridden soon after, headed well inside final 1f, kept on; she will presumably go for the Irish Oaks and may well gain compensation, assuming Hermosa is routed elsewhere.

FLEETING (IRE) upped markedly in trip, ran her best race, soon back in the groove after her Guineas reverse, doing well to make the places, given where she came from; in rear, shaken up early in straight, not clear run 2f out, kept on well final 1f, nearest at the finish.

MANUELA DE VEGA (IRE) back on less testing ground, found further improvement and turned the tables on Mehdaayih from Chester, though she might well not have done so had that one had a less troubled age; held up, effort straight, wandered over 2f out, kept on well final 1f, never on ; she's a useful filly who may have more to offer as her stamina is further drawn out.

DELPHINIA (IRE) unconsidered among the O'Brien cohort and with more than most to find on form, ran really well upped in grade, appearing to relish the 2f longer trip, seeing the race out thoroughly and likely to stay further again; in touch, shaken up early in straight, not quicken, met some trouble over 2f out, kept on well final 1f.

FRANKELLINA over 2f longer trip, ran well upped in grade without quite finding the sort of improvement that might have been expected for the increased test of stamina, lacking a change of pace in the straight; held up, effort over 3f out, not quicken 2f out, plugged on; she's had just 3 runs so far and may have more to offer as her stamina is further tested, perhaps back on a more conventional track.

MEHDAAYIH was well backed, upped in trip, but clearly wasn't seen to best advantage, having a rough age at various stages; waited with, not settle fully, short of room after 3f, had to wait for gap early in straight, shaken up over 2f out, not quicken, badly baulked over 1f out, not recover; she might well have finished third without the late interference, perhaps even better with the sort of run the winner had, and she remains open to improvement.

MAQSAD (FR) may well prove the best of this field, though not at this trip, lack of stamina all too apparent in the closing stages after she'd travelled best in the straight; mid-field, tanked along, shaken up over 2f out, found little; will be well suited by a return to shorter and looks well up to winning a good race this summer.

BLUE GARDENIA (IRE) over 2f longer trip, ran about as well as could have been expected upped in grade, though never remotely involved; in rear, labouring before halfway, left behind straight, late headway.

PEACH TREE (IRE) was below form over 2f longer trip, out of place in this field on looks and with something to find anyway on her best efforts; pressed leader, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, weakened over 1f out; she's worth another try over the distance at a lower level.

TARNAWA (IRE) over 2f longer trip, should be suited by the distance, but was in trouble well before stamina became an issue; in touch, labouring before straight; it's possible she's ideally suited by easier ground.

TAUTEKE no match for the winner at Lingfield, appeared ill at ease on firmer going in the latter stages, not moving that well as she dropped away; prominent, ridden over 4f out, weakened under 2f out; she's best judged on her form last time.

SH BOOM over 2f longer trip, was simply out of depth; held up, always behind.

LAVENDER'S BLUE (IRE) over 2f longer trip, can have this run written off, a bizarre change of tactics doing her no favours; raced freely, led until 3f out, weakened quickly, eased over 1f out.