Yorkshire Oaks 2013

3.40 York

Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Fillies' Group 1) (British Champions Series) (Class 1)  (3YO plus)

Winner £200,895

Advice: 4 pts Venus De Milo with three place insurebet (5/4 Bet365)

Emirates Queen: Much improved in three runs so far this term, beating Moment In Time to Lancashire Oaks before third in Deavuille Group 2, both times enjoying this new trip; Could have place claims If coming on once again but this a much tougher task for her.

Moment In Time: Has put forward lifetime best after lifetime best, winning Group 3 at Haydock and then coming close second to Emirates Queen in Lancashire Oaks, flashing home for second; Could never cut any ice in Nassau when dropped down in trip so back to 1m4f, could enjoy herself, but class an issue here as well.

The Fugue: Had little or nothing go right since her Nassau win, mowed down in last furlong of last year’s renewal by class act Shareta before finding only traffic in Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf; Return was as good as ever in Prince of Wales’s Stakes, making ground steadily late in race where it paid to be prominent or move early, but not well when last in Eclipse; If back to best, will make them all go, but worry that 12 furlongs not her optimum trip; Still the one to beat.

Wild Coco: Turning into a fine filly, impressive winner at Goodwood after losing her way during 2011, and then landing Park Hill Stakes before repeating win at Goodwood in arguably more impressive style recently; Get the feeling that she’s still likely to have more to give and class act, but likes easier ground than this and wonder if she’s better at 1m6f; Still, to be considered.

Riposte: Most taking winner of Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot following her Newmarket maiden win, but not quite as good as hoped in Irish Oaks although she wasn’t far behind in close finish; Stronger gallop here may help matters but does need to improve again to reverse form with Venus De Milo, second that day.

Scintuilla: If bringing her best form, will be entitled to take a hand here, beaten just a length into fourth in Irish Oaks, but since run three times and not been at her best latest, when well beaten in 10 furlong Royal Whip; Needs more to get involved but would not count her out.

Secret Gesture: Had the look of a quality middle distance type when landing her maiden and then bolted up on return; Followed that with Oaks second, looking very promising, but struggled towards the end here and stamina her downfall in German Oaks.

Venus De Milo: Only the four runs but won three of them in the type of a rapidly progressive horse and found new level upped to 12 furlongs for last two starts, flashing home in Irish Oaks for second when more strongly run race was needed and then idling before putting Group 3 at Cork to bed from the front, too good when the race entered business end; Better when held up, but regardless, must have more to give after only four runs and high on list here.

VERDICT: A solid renewal once again with plenty of angles and a key generation clash. The Fugue has much of the best form in the field and if fit and well, has every chance to avenge her defeat in last year’s renewal, but has given so much of her best over 12 furlongs and she is painfully deserted for VENUS DE MILO, who has looked so promising when stepped up to 12 furlongs and could have anything still left to give after just four runs. She can beat Wild Coco, Riposte and Secret Gesture.