History beckons for NASHWA and Hollie Doyle in the Cazoo Oaks (4.30) at Epsom on Friday.
The first Classic horse race, the St Leger, was run at Doncaster in 1776 – and in the 246 years that have passed none of the five jewels in Flat racing’s crown has fallen to a woman jockey.
Doyle has become used to new ground and in Nashwa, trained in partnership by John Gosden and son Thady, she has the perfect partner to reach another milestone.
Inexperience won the day when the daughter of Frankel – dam Princess Loulou was a Listed winner – marked her racecourse debut with a third at Newmarket last October.
But my selection knew what was required on her return when scoring by six and a half lengths at Haydock Park on St George’s Day.
Nashwa took another step forward when lifting Newbury’s Listed Fillies’ Trial Stakes, settling matters with a sharp burst of speed at the two-furlong pole en route to a length-and-three-quarter supremacy from Stay Alert.
Doyle’s boss Imad Al Sagar – the Kuwaiti part-owned Frankie Dettori’s 2007 Derby hero Authorized – has opted to come to Epsom rather than contest the 10-furlong French equivalent, the Prix de Diane, at Chantilly a fortnight on Sunday.
The big race pick must prove her effectiveness over a mile and a half, but her sire is a strong influence for stamina and Nashwa has any amount of as-yet untapped potential to draw upon as she moves up to the highest level.
Unbeaten stablemate Emily Upjohn has been a warm order since her runaway success in York’s Group 3 Musidora Stakes and is feared most, while Aidan O’Brien’s pair Tuesday and Concert Pitch, respectively second and third in the Irish 1,000 Guineas 12 days ago, have to enter the picture.
More is expected from Tranquil Lady and With The Moonlight but those looking to play at bigger odds could do worse than Lingfield Park’s Oaks Trial winner Rogue Millennium, added to the field by connections at a cost of £30,000.
Newsboy's Epsom Oaks runner guide
CONCERT HALL
Closely matched with stablemate Tuesday on their Irish 1,000 Guineas running and should appreciate the chance to tackle a mile and a half in race her dam won a decade ago.
EMILY UPJOHN
Strong galloper stretched her unbeaten record to three with 5½l Musidora Stakes (G3) win at York last month and much to recommend her with the promise of more to come.
KAWIDA
Listed winner at Newmarket last October returned with close third in G3 at Saint-Cloud in April but that form needs improving on if she is to play a part here.
MOON DE VEGA
Didn’t get the breaks when fourth to Thoughts Of June in Cheshire Oaks (L) at Chester on return but still 6½l behind the winner so work to do on that score.
NASHWA
Impressed when following wide-margin comeback win at Haydock with 1¾l victory in Fillies’ Trial (L) at Newbury and still has the untapped potential to make an impact at Classic level.
ROGUE MILLENNIUM
Didn’t race last year but unbeaten in two outings, following winning debut at Wetherby in April with head margin in Lingfield’s Oaks Trial (L), and still has more to offer.
THE ALGARVE
Got off the mark at the third attempt with Galway score in October but put in place when fourth to Emily Upjohn in Musidora Stakes on comeback and so easily opposable.
THOUGHTS OF JUNE
Lost maiden status at the fourth time of asking with neck call in Cheshire Oaks but got shrewd ride from the front that day and unlikely to get an easy lead here.
TRANQUIL LADY
Didn’t come up to expectations when fourth to Concert Hall at Navan on return but 4l success in Blue Wind Stakes (G3) at Naas last time was much more like it.
TUESDAY
Chosen by Ryan Moore on the strength of podium finishes when third in 1,000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket and second in Irish 1,000 Guineas (G1) and obvious player upped in trip.
WITH THE MOONLIGHT
Smart form without looking a star at two but took a hefty step forward on seasonal comeback with 4¾l triumph in Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket and that puts her in the mix.
