After the Classic generation came home last and second last in the big race on Wednesday behind their two elders, does anyone fancy the rematch of the Irish Oaks first two home in the Yorkshire Oaks?
Bluestocking has not actually won a race this term, chasing home Savethelastdance at The Curragh on soft ground after finishing third in the Ribblesdale that was won by Warm Heart. Warm Heart was only fifth at The Curragh, so I see this convoluted form as a real negative. The only other three year old in the field is Novakai, who has a couple of pattern race seconds to her credit but has only won a Listed race, albeit with something to spare against her elders. Rosscarbery is probably out of her depth here as she has yet to run a place at Group 1 level beyond ten furlongs. Poptronic held off Sea Silk Road in the Lancashire Oaks last time but she was last in this event in 2022 and only third to Free Wind in the Middleton at this track in May. In that Middleton, Stay Alert was fifth and Sea Silk Road was sixth. Free Wind has disappointed since, failing to get into contention in the Hardwicke and similarly making no show on bottomless ground at Goodwood, so will the real Free Wind show up today? The one that interests me is Nassau winner AL HUSN. Roger Varian’s filly is unproven at the trip but the form of her Goodwood win (on soft ground) was done some favours by third home Nashwa in the Juddmonte. Her style of running is usually to be up with the leaders so if her stamina gives we will know by the two furlong marker.
