'This is a good opening to win her first Group race' - who is feeling confident?

Wednesday: 2.25 Goodwood
Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes (Group 3) | 7f | 3yo+ fillies and mares | ITV/RTV

Field sizes in the majority of British racing divisions are shrinking year-on-year but, by way of contrast, female-only Group contests staged over shorter than a mile are booming. 17 have been declared for a competitive Oak Tree Stakes and that turnout is the joint-highest for the race in the past decade.

The fact only 4lb separates the top ten highest-rated runners outlines how open this is, but the suspicion is early favourite Heredia would be half her odds had she bypassed the Coral Distaff earlier this month.

Heredia was odds-on to preserve her unbeaten record at Sandown but ran flat in third and lacked the finishing burst she showcased when capturing the Sandringham at Royal Ascot the time before.

The modest pace in the Distaff failed to suit and perhaps the outing came too soon after the royal meeting. The likelihood of a stronger gallop here is in her favour, although dropping back to seven furlongs on an easier course might not be. It may be worth seeking an alternative at bigger odds with the enhanced place terms available.

One of which is the consistent and tough Oscula after she almost bagged a Group 3 at Ascot last weekend. However, top of the list is the Francis Graffard-trained Samahram, the only filly with fewer miles on the clock than Heredia.

Owners Al Shaqab Racing appear to have an affinity with the Oak Tree. The operation combined with French trainer Francois Rohaut to land three straight runnings from 2015-17 and they have only run one since, 2020 seventh Wasmya for Graffard.

This Sea The Moon filly drops to seven furlongs for the first time. Pedigree wise that is a questionable move, but not on visual impression as she was all out to hold on in a mile Listed race at Longchamp last time. Frankie Dettori is aboard and the market may latch on to her.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

David Probert, rider of Bounce The Blues
We've got a wide draw but she's done well this season and it's a good opportunity to pick up some black type. She deserves to get her head in front.

Jane Chapple-Hyam, trainer of Internationalangel
She fluffed her lines when rearing in the gate last time so I hope she’s okay this time. I feel she can be competitive in a race such as this and we’re hopeful we can gain some black type with her.

Ed Walker, trainer of Primo Bacio
This is a good opening for Primo Bacio to win her first Group race. She's dropping down in grade after finishing fourth in the Falmouth. We think seven furlongs could be her trip but my worry is the size of the field. You need luck around Goodwood at the best of times.

Roger Varian, trainer of She Do and Miss Carol Ann
Miss Carol Ann won a nice handicap at the July meeting last time. That’s a good lead into this race and she’ll be suited by the track and the trip. She’s drawn wide but hopefully she can make her mark at this level. She Do is a good filly but would’ve preferred some ease in the ground. She’s drawn nicely and has the talent to run well.

Saeed bin Suroor, trainer of Soft Whisper
Soft Whisper produced another good performance on her latest start at Chelmsford and this looks like another nice race for her. Marco Ghiani gets on well with the filly and she goes into this in good order.

Clive Cox, trainer of Benefit
She was impressive when she won her Listed race at Salisbury two starts ago, and she’s looked as though she'll get another furlong. We're looking forward to exploring that. She's a lovely, scopey filly.

Dave Loughnane, trainer of Hello You
Going back into fillies' company will be a real bonus. She seems in a great place physically and mentally.

Richard Hannon, trainer of Heredia
She's always been a good filly. We discovered her bloods weren't quite right after Sandown. Sean [Levey] rode her last week and was happy so I’m hopeful she can regain the winning thread. There should be plenty of pace so I’m not concerned about the drop back in trip.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Symphony Perfect
She ran well in the Summer Stakes and looked as though a step up in trip was within her compass too. She’s got a nice draw and although you need luck at Goodwood I hope she can run a nice race.
Reporting by Jonathan Harding

Wednesday previews:

1.50 Goodwood: Is anyone capable of stopping Secret State's bid for a four-timer?

3.00 Goodwood: Who has the right pedigree to excel in a Molecomb test of raw speed?

3.35 Goodwood: World at his feet: Baaeed bidding to cement his number-one spot on global stage

6.10 Galway: Kennedy opts for Return To Base as emphatic Punchestown winner goes handicapping

6.40 Galway: 'He's still unexposed' - who fancies their chances of winning the Galway Plate?

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