Buick: step up in trip will suit Oaks favourite Wild Illusion

William Buick believes Investec Oaks favourite Wild Illusion will have plenty going for her in the Epsom Classic on Friday, when her eight rivals will not include former leading contenders Magical or Sea Of Class.

The Charlie Appleby-trained filly was cut to 5-2 favourite (from 3) with the soft ground, alongside the absence of key rivals, expected to enhance her prospects.

Investec Oaks card and betting

Already a winner at the highest level having landed the Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac at Chantilly, Wild Illusion finished fourth in the 1,000 Guineas on her return to action, and although she will be racing beyond a mile for the first time there is plenty of stamina in her pedigree.

Buick will be seeking a first win in the Oaks, which forms part of the Qipco British Champions Series. He said: “Wild Illusion ran a lovely race on her comeback in the 1,000 Guineas and is a filly who will appreciate stepping up in trip. Her form is very solid and she’s never done anything wrong.

“She’s very stoutly bred on the dam’s side and, being by Dubawi, and has a great pedigree. You would like to think the distance won’t inconvenience her. She seems straightforward and ticks a lot of boxes.”

Wild Illusion would be a fourth Oaks winner for Godolphin after Balanchine (1994), Moonshell (1995, owned in partnership with Maktoum Al Maktoum) and Kazzia (2002).

Rupert Adams, spokesman for William Hill, said: “Wild Illusion is a worthy favourite but the money is spread across the field as it looks a very open race.”

Aidan O’Brien will supply five of Wild Illusion’s eight rivals, with Ryan Moore riding Magic Wand, the Cheshire Oaks winner, following the trainer’s decision not to declare Magical.

Magical gave herself a knock on Tuesday and speaking on Wednesday, O’Brien said: “There was still a little bit of filling in Magical’s joint this morning and, obviously, we weren’t going to take a chance with her.

“We’ll wait a bit before making plans and look at Royal Ascot or maybe the Irish Oaks for her. Ryan liked Magic Wand when he won on her at Chester and he rides her.”

Forever Together, runner-up to Magic Wand at Chester, will be ridden by Donnacha O’Brien, with Wayne Lordan partnering Bye Bye Baby and Seamie Heffernan on I Can Fly.

Padraig Beggy, who sprang from relative obscurity to win the Derby on Wings Of Eagles a year ago, will return to the scene of his greatest triumph when he partners Lingfield Oaks Trial third Flattering in the Oaks.

The 32-year-old, who rode seven winners in Ireland last season, has yet to ride a winner from nine mounts this year.

“Soft ground won’t be ideal for any of our runners although Bye Bye Baby and Flattering have winning form on it, “O’Brien said.

The open feel to the Oaks contrasts with the Cracksman-dominated Investec Coronation Cup, in which the Champion Stakes winner will take on five rivals.

Investec Coronation Cup card and betting

They are headed by Godolphin's Hawkbill, who was third to Highland Reel in last year's Coronation Cup.

Buick added: “Hawkbill seemed better than ever in the Sheema Classic. He is genuine a Group 1 horse who likes the track and stays the trip. And if there is any more rain it won’t harm his chances.

“Over the years he’s been a great horse. He still likes to deal with little things in his own way, but he’s grown up physically and mentally and seems better now as a five-year-old.”

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