15:40 York – Coquet can reverse form with Oaks rivals
Published:Market leaders have held the upper hand in the Yorkshire Oaks in the past decade, but there are suitable doubts over both The Fugue and Shareta to believe that Coquet can spring a small surprise.
Coquet is 12/1 to win the Yorkshire Oaks and has to reverse form with the first three in the Epsom Oaks – Was, Shirocco Star and The Fugue.
Hughie Morrison’s runner was sixth that day, but was majorly inconvenienced in running, being shuffled back to the rear of the field after almost pulling up.
The fact that she finished sixth was a minor miracle in itself and although she has not won above Listed level, Coquet showed enough at Epsom to suggest she is overpriced here.
The Fugue is a worthy favourite given her latest success in the Nassau Stakes, but this was over the shorter trip of 1m2f.
She has finished no better than the each-way places in her two Group starts over 1m4f, which places small doubts over her stamina.
At a price of 13/8, The Fugue is worth taking on.
Was and Shareta are almost certain to ensure a solid pace and follow The Fugue in the betting.
In nine of the last ten years, the winner has emerged from the first three in the odds and Was is likely to employ similar tactics that saw her win the Epsom Derby.
She has not been at her best on her last two starts, but is worthy of each-way consideration at 6/1 with ideal fast ground and a return to 1m4f.
Shareta is the highest-rated horse in the Yorkshire Oaks field after taking second in the Arc last year and has been consistent this season without getting her head in front.
Her running style is well suited to France, but may not transfer so well to an English style and given some unknowns, 11/4 may be a tad on the short side.
For each-way punters, Shirocco Star often finds one too good, but is a solid each-way proposition at 8/1, particularly with Richard Hughes taking the ride for the first time.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
