The H
3rd June 2004, 20:56
From In The Know Magazine
OAKS - 1 MILE 4 FURLONGS - EPSOM - FRIDAY JUNE 4TH
ALL TOO BEAUTIFUL - All has gone to plan so far with victories in a maiden and a listed event in Ireland over ten furlongs on her only two starts to date before going straight to Epsom. Was comfortable both times although debatable that she only beat fairly useful opposition and her price is more a reflection of her Ballydoyle connections and her impeccable breeding (full sister to Galileo) than proven form on the racecourse. Unproven on fast ground but remains an interesting prospect. (4/1)
CRYSTAL - Fluent winner of a ten-furlong maiden at Windsor in April and Brian Meehan is convinced she will prove to be top class. However, will need to improve massively on the bare form shown there and has little time to do it if she is to figure here. (25/1)
KISSES FOR ME - Would be a surprise were she to score. Difficult to make a case for. (66/1)
NECKLACE - Stayed on well to take the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh last year, which gave plenty of promise for the future. However, was very disappointing on her reappearance in the Guineas, even allowing for the fact that she is likely to prove better over longer trips. Remains a filly of great potential and cannot be dismissed here but needs to dispel doubts hanging over her after her Newmarket flop. (10/1)
OUIJA BOARD - A decent juvenile who came third in a Newmarket listed event on her final start last year, connections were always looking forward to a better three-year-old season and she did not disappoint when running away with the Pretty Polly Stakes on her reappearance. Handles any ground. First rate claims. (4/1)
PUNCTILIOUS - Finished just behind Sundrop in the Ascot Fillies Mile before becoming her stablemate at Goldophin and a possible run in the Musidora Stakes at York should show how well she has wintered and improved. Plenty of stamina on the dam's side and a facile win in the Musidora Stakes gives her a solid chance. (5/2)
SUNDROP - Came to prominence when flying to finish second after a blocked run in the Ascot Fillies Mile behind Red Bloom last year. Subsequently transferred to Goldophin for the winter where she reportedly worked well and reappeared with a fantastic second to Attraction in the 1000 Guineas where she was again doing all her best work at the end. Given that there is also plenty of stamina in the pedigree it was no surprise to hear that she headed straight for the Oaks. Boasts the best form on offer, looks very progressive, almost certain to stay and proven on most surfaces except soft, she is clearly the one to beat. (2/1)
Selection: SUNDROP
Danger: Punctilious
OAKS - 1 MILE 4 FURLONGS - EPSOM - FRIDAY JUNE 4TH
ALL TOO BEAUTIFUL - All has gone to plan so far with victories in a maiden and a listed event in Ireland over ten furlongs on her only two starts to date before going straight to Epsom. Was comfortable both times although debatable that she only beat fairly useful opposition and her price is more a reflection of her Ballydoyle connections and her impeccable breeding (full sister to Galileo) than proven form on the racecourse. Unproven on fast ground but remains an interesting prospect. (4/1)
CRYSTAL - Fluent winner of a ten-furlong maiden at Windsor in April and Brian Meehan is convinced she will prove to be top class. However, will need to improve massively on the bare form shown there and has little time to do it if she is to figure here. (25/1)
KISSES FOR ME - Would be a surprise were she to score. Difficult to make a case for. (66/1)
NECKLACE - Stayed on well to take the Group One Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh last year, which gave plenty of promise for the future. However, was very disappointing on her reappearance in the Guineas, even allowing for the fact that she is likely to prove better over longer trips. Remains a filly of great potential and cannot be dismissed here but needs to dispel doubts hanging over her after her Newmarket flop. (10/1)
OUIJA BOARD - A decent juvenile who came third in a Newmarket listed event on her final start last year, connections were always looking forward to a better three-year-old season and she did not disappoint when running away with the Pretty Polly Stakes on her reappearance. Handles any ground. First rate claims. (4/1)
PUNCTILIOUS - Finished just behind Sundrop in the Ascot Fillies Mile before becoming her stablemate at Goldophin and a possible run in the Musidora Stakes at York should show how well she has wintered and improved. Plenty of stamina on the dam's side and a facile win in the Musidora Stakes gives her a solid chance. (5/2)
SUNDROP - Came to prominence when flying to finish second after a blocked run in the Ascot Fillies Mile behind Red Bloom last year. Subsequently transferred to Goldophin for the winter where she reportedly worked well and reappeared with a fantastic second to Attraction in the 1000 Guineas where she was again doing all her best work at the end. Given that there is also plenty of stamina in the pedigree it was no surprise to hear that she headed straight for the Oaks. Boasts the best form on offer, looks very progressive, almost certain to stay and proven on most surfaces except soft, she is clearly the one to beat. (2/1)
Selection: SUNDROP
Danger: Punctilious