Jamie Spencer: “It’s an Oaks that arguably lacks strength in depth”

Epsom

3.45pm

Jazeel

He looks a decent buy for new connections judged on his comeback second to Elector over 1m1f at Newmarket. He was gelded after winning the Silver Cambridgeshire on his final start for Mick Channon last season, and you had to be very encouraged by that reappearance second, where he came from well off the pace and was only a neck adrift of the winner at the line. He has gone up only 1lb for that run, and has a similar pull with Elector – the form has worked out pretty well, too – and we know the extra furlong and decent ground suit him. I think you have every right to be optimistic about his chances in an open handicap, with that run under his belt. His midfield draw is fine.

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The Investec Oaks (4.30pm)

Blue Gardenia

She is obviously one of the outsiders in here, there is no getting away from that, but it wouldn’t be the greatest surprise if she nicked third or fourth in an Oaks that arguably lacks strength in depth. She ended last season with a soft-ground win over 1m in a Listed race at Newmarket and she shaped well enough when fifth in the Musidora on quick ground on her return, not being beaten far and ending up on the far side. If she stays this extra distance, and the distaff side of her pedigree gives you plenty of encouragement on that score, then I can definitely see her outrunning her odds. That could mean her still finishing out of the places, as she has a lot to find form-wise, but there is definite room for improvement and progress in her and her draw in 11 could have been worse, I guess. Mehdaayih has been the most impressive filly coming into this, to my eyes. She looks sure to stay and has the experience of being around Chester, where she was very strong at the finish. She may only need to run to 110 to win.