Introduction
SUN Racing’s top tipster is back with his expert analysis of Thursday’s Yorkshire Oaks race. Read on for Templegate’s complete runner-by-runner guide to the 3.35 race and find out his top pick at the bottom.
The Contenders
AL HUSN
AL a pal. Made it seven wins from eight career starts with her first win in this Group 1 company at Glorious Goodwood last time. She was helped by French raider Blue Rose Cen getting a shocking ride but she kept going strongly. Her best has come over 1m2f but she is bred to enjoy this distance too. Fast ground is a slight concern but she looks a fair price to make the frame.
FREE WIND
FREE hit. She has her first crack at a Group 1 after getting stuck in the mud at Goodwood last time. She kicked off the season with an impressive Group 2 win over 1m2f here at the Dante meeting in May. Stepping up in trip is a plus and her best has come on quick ground. The Gosdens will have her back and she’s right in the hunt.
POPTRONIC
POP off. Clocked a big personal best when winning the Lancashire Oaks last time where she enjoyed the fast ground. She was a poor last in this 12 months ago but has improved since. She takes on much stronger rivals here so will need to pull out more.
ROSSCARBERY
ROSS won’t boss. Has run well a few times at this level without looking like winning. Enjoyed the step up to 1m6f when second at The Curragh so may find things happening a bit quickly today. Has shown best with some cut in the ground.
SEA SILK ROAD
SEA sick. Won a Haydock Group 3 on fast ground before going down to Poptronic by a neck in the Lancashire Oaks last time. She had every chance to get past her rival and needs plenty of improvement to figure today.
STAY ALERT
RED Alert. Has her quirks but her best form is pretty smart as she showed when chasing home Via Sistina in the Pretty Polly at The Curragh last time. She was hampered and may have finished closer. She can also throw in poor runs like when only fifth here in May. This trip suits and she looks solid each-way.
BLUESTOCKING
STOCK rising. She looked like the winner of the Irish Oaks at The Curragh last time until Savethelastdance pounced right on the line. That was just her fourth run and built on her close-up Ribblesdale Stakes third. She seems to handle any ground and should improve. Ralph Beckett’s filly has every chance again.
NOVAKAI
KAI high. She was a good second in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile last season but was a little disappointing when third here on comeback in May. She was again below par when well beaten in the French Oaks before enjoying the drop into Listed company for a Newmarket success. This trip suits and she looks capable of improving further but will need to against these stronger rivals.
SAVETHELASTDANCE
DANCE in step. She burst on the scene when winning the Cheshire Oaks by all of 22 lengths in May where the bottomless ground was ideal. She was far from disgraced when second in the Epsom Classic before swooping late to take the Irish version at The Curragh last time. Like at Chester, she was pushed along early before finding a turbo boost. You would say she ideally wants a longer trip now but that finishing kick will be a massive asset again.
WARM HEART
WARM order. Impressive Ribblesdale winner on quick ground at Royal Ascot before finding the ground too soft when fifth in the Irish Oaks. Return to these conditions a plus over an ideal distance. No surprise if she hit the frame.
Templegate’s Tip
Templegate is backing FREE WIND to fly away with the Yorkshire Oaks. Frankie Dettori is looking for a fifth win in this Group 1 race and has high hopes for the Gosden-trained filly who was victorious at the Dante meeting in May. After struggling with muddy conditions, she will relish the better ground.
Templegate also sees potential in Savethelastdance, who made a strong finish in the Irish Oaks and has the quality to be a threat once again. Al Husn is another contender, having shown progress throughout her career and winning the Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood. Finally, Stay Alert is a solid each-way pick among the higher-priced horses.
