Epsom tips 2022: Runners and riders, odds and best bets for the Cazoo Oaks and Friday's other races
The inaugural Oaks was run in 1779, so far back in time that the winning trainer is simply remembered as Saunders. No first name.
“Saunders!” barked the owner, the 12th Earl of Derby, who was of course known by his full title. “This is my handsome filly, Bridget. Go and win me the Oaks. Mark my words, it will become a classic.”
Cut to the present day and everyone knows the O’Brien (Aidan) and Gosden (John) connection with what indeed became recognised as the premier fillies’ classic by the mid-19th century. Indeed, as the winners of the last eight Oaks between them, who else do punters need to know?
Sure enough, they dominate again today. Gosden, officially aided now by his son (Thady), saddles the first and second favourites, Emily Upjohn and Nashwa.
O’Brien, usually mob-handed whatever the classic, runs just the four and any one of Tuesday, Concert Hall, Thoughts Of June and even the rank outsider The Algarve, could win without anyone dropping dead from shock.
Frankie Dettori rides the unbeaten Emily Upjohn, the most likely winner on paper after unfussily maintaining her unbeaten record in the Musidora Stakes at York, often a significant trial.
Cue a mad rush to back Frankie and the favourite? Not really this time. For a change, the Italian rider doesn’t have it all his own way in the popularity stakes because this time at least half of those tuning in at 4.30pm will be roaring on Hollie Doyle and Nashwa.
This could be the day when a female jockey finally wins a British classic and bookies are already claiming this would be the worst possible outcome for their balance sheets.
It is distinctly possible. Emily Upjohn may have the edge on form, but Nashwa hasn’t yet been tested to the same degree. She has, though, done everything asked of her and in the slick style of a filly with more under the bonnet when required.
Stamina doubts have been expressed, but this daughter of Frankel is a half-sister to a horse who stays well enough to win over a mile and a half on soft ground, so there’s actually a fair bit of encouragement in her pedigree.
There are definitely no chinks in Doyle’s armour. More than 500 winners in the last three and a half seasons are testimony to her steel-eyed ambition and skill.
And though standing just five feet tall and weighing in at eight stones, you wouldn’t want to be trying to keep up with her in the gym, where her weight-lifting feats have become the stuff of legend.
She is so ready for this day if Nashwa is.
We should not forget Charlie Appleby’s easy Newmarket winner With The Moonlight in all this, but if neither of the Gosden pair proves up to the task, Tuesday, placed in both the English and Irish 1000 Guineas, looks best placed to provide Ballydoyle with its 10th Oaks triumph.
Cazoo Oaks runners and riders
Epsom Derby tips, day one
(All odds best available as of 2 June)
- 2.00: Estate
- 2.35: Oh This Is Us (Best Bet)
- 3.10: Pyledriver
- 3.45: Moktasaab
- 4.30 (The Oaks): Nashwa (Next Best)
- 5.10: Ever Given
- 5.45: Pocket The Profit (Each-Way)
