Lancashire Oaks 2011

2.50 Haydock

Bet365 Lancashire Oaks (Group 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Class 1) (3yo+) Winner £45,368

Pick: Elanora Duse (win)

Elanora Duse: Remarkable amount of progression last year, going from handicap second to winning Blandford Stakes (carer best Yorkshire Oaks third in-between, also forgiven flop on last run); Needed the run badly on return (trip far too short) and can go much better today.

Gertude Bell: Very game and quite progressive filly who made up into a Group class filly last year with Oaks fourth (not in right shape for Ribblesdale disappointment); Back with battling win to show that ability is there but badly in with reopposing second now.

Polly’s Mark:  Admirable mare who has run with credit on all occasions this season, bumping into some classy performers; Well in with Gertrude Bell from their last meeting but this better company.

Vita Nova: Progressive and created deep impression when making a mockery of 87 in well contested Newmarket handicap on seasonal reappearance, and confirmed that when going down to similarly progressive type in strong event here last time out; Can go well again.

Bildn: Bred to do far better this year (dam half-sister to Oaks winner Lady Carla) and never suited by pair of 6f maidens last summer; Still yet to be found a suitable opportunity and this not the one.

Dorcas Lane: Ran out a ready winner of Listed race latest under excellent ride and improved when third (beaten miles through) in Ribblesdale; This perfectly suitable target but comes here quickly after such an effort.

Fork Handles: Very takingly bred filly who should improve with experience (by Doyen out of Natalie Jay) so possibly surprise to see her win 4 runner race on debut; Pretty well beaten on all forays into Group company afterwards & last in Oaks so hard to see her making an imprint.

VERDICT: A solid renewal. Vita Nova makes a lot of appeal off a strong effort here last time and she can make another bold bid but if ELANORA DUSE runs to her best she’d be the one to beat and with a reappearance run under her belt she can go very close to winning here.