Banoffee’s Chester victory makes her an Epsom Oaks contender

An outstanding ride by Kieren Fallon saw Banoffee win the Cheshire Oaks and cement herself as a real contender for the Epsom offering in June.

The six-time champion jockey held up his filly at the back of the field and was last but one turning for home. It looked as though taking the brave route up the rail would not pay off at one point, as the Hughie Morrison-trained three-year-old was boxed in slightly.

However, Fallon found the gap and his mount duly obliged, shooting up the rail with a commanding run in for the line.

While Fallon’s ride must be praised, the ability of Banoffee was also evident and that is reflected by her 12/1 for the Epsom Oaks.

And this race is often a good measuring stick for the Oaks, with the last winner to travel to Epsom being Wonder of Wonders in 2011. In a somewhat similar performance at Chester, she picked off her rivals from two furlongs out before charging home.

She found only one too good at Epsom the following month, with a 20/1 winner making all and hanging on well.

Interestingly, Banoffee’s winning time at Chester was over a second faster than that of Wonder of Wonders and, furthermore, the fastest time in four years making her a very interesting candidate.

Fallon also believes there could be more to come from the filly, stating she ran a bit too keenly in the early stages and that can be put down to inexperience.

Equally impressed by her performance was trainer Morrison, who would have to supplement her for £30,000 if she is to run at Epsom.

However, it now looks likely she will run, with Morrison stating after the race “She was not showing much back in March so I didn’t think it was worth the money to enter. We’ll have to discuss it and she will probably go straight there. She’s a naturally good racehorse and with a great character.”

Either way, a similar performance next month could give the rest of field something to think about.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.