Dubai: The last filly who attempted to win the Epsom Oaks (G1), the third of Britain’s five Classics and the middle leg of the Fillies’ Triple Crown, after contesting the Derby Trial, was Midday in 2009.
However, she could only finish second in both races.
Now, the brilliantly bred So Mi Dar, a daughter of red-hot stallion Dubawi and multiple Group 1 winning mare Dar Re Mi, will endeavour to accomplish the unusual feat following her striking victory in the Epsom contest, which was formerly called the Blue Riband Trial Stakes.
Trained by John Gosden, So Mi Dar, whose name is a play on words, was cut to 10/1 (from 16) for the Oaks behind market-leader Minding (7/2) and Ballydoyle (10).
Making just her second racecourse appearance, having won a maiden at Windsor last season, So Mi Dar swooped from the back of the field to overpower front-runners Top Break and Viren’s Army, before holding off Humphrey Bogart and score by a neck.
Beaverbrook, representing Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, made the early running under Godolphin rider James Doyle but weakened with two furlongs to run.
“We are delighted with her. She was a little gassy early on, but Frankie [Dettori] dropped her out and got her settled nicely, then he threw his whip away,” said Gosden.
“She started idling in front, which is a good sign, and she just was pushed out hands and heels.
“We came here to see if she would handle the track and with a bit of luck she will go to the Musidora (Group 3, York) then hopefully come back here for the Oaks.
“The ground was soft enough for her and she will be better on better ground.”
Dettori who was compelled to ride So Mi Dar with his hands and heels in the closing stages of the race, was also impressed with the filly’s ability.
“I rode her in some work the other day and she gave me a good feel. It was a big task, taking on the colts, but she is very neat and compact,” said the Italian.
“She just ran a touch green three out but at the two-pole I had them covered, then I lost my whip.
“Once in front, she idled a bit, but she still had something left.
“If I could have given her a back-hander I could have pulled away. She is a quick learner and a good traveller.
“She is entitled to be there (Musidora) and I think there is more to come from her.”
The last winner of the trial to win the Epsom Derby was Blue Peter in 1939.
The Epsom Oaks (G1)
Friday, June 3
Minding 7/2, Ballydoyle 10, So Mi Dar 10, Tanaza 16, Alamode 20, Coolmore 20, Even Song 20, Pretty Perfect 20, Nathra 22, Alice Springs 25, Andastra 25, Fadillah 25, Materialistic 25, Somehow 25, Turret Rocks 25, Beautiful Morning 33, Best In The World 33, Canonbury 33, First Victory 33, Honorina 33.
