'We're likely to head to Epsom' - classy Thoughts Of June enters Oaks picture

Wednesday: Cheshire Oaks, Chester

Sometimes the clue is in the name. Thoughts Of June had not screamed out genuine Cazoo Oaks contender before the Cheshire Oaks, but thoughts were very much on June and Epsom after it.

The Aidan O'Brien-trained filly, who had been beaten in her first three starts, turned around the form of her last two runs to get the better of well-backed 5-4 favourite Above The Curve this time under a positive Ryan Moore ride.

Watch again: Thoughts Of June takes Cheshire Oaks at Chester

In contrast to Thoughts Of June, the Joseph O'Brien-trained Above The Curve had been talked up as an Oaks candidate, but there was a familiar theme as his father Aidan claimed a seventh Cheshire Oaks to match Barry Hills as the most successful trainer in the race's history.

Paddy Power issued an Oaks quote of 16-1 (from 66) for Thoughts Of June, who is owned in partnership by Moyglare Stud and Coolmore.

Thoughts Of June (far side): now likely to head straight to the OaksCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kevin Buckley, Coolmore's UK representative, said: "On that performance, we're likely to head to Epsom. It was in Aidan's thought process that he'd like to go to Epsom with her and if the owners agree, I'd say we'll see her next time in June. Aidan always felt stepping her up here would be to her liking and she acted round the bends and Ryan was very happy with her."

Thoughts Of June, by legendary late sire Galileo out of Del Mar Oaks winner Discreet Marq, was wound up from the front to go three lengths clear two furlongs out and although Above The Curve loomed up threateningly, the winner just lasted home by a neck.

Who impressed for the Oaks and Derby at Chester? Our experts have their say

"We made plenty of use with her at Leopardstown and that was the plan for today, but she'd be fairly versatile," said Buckley. "She obviously had to turn the tables on Joseph's filly and it was a good performance. Aidan felt there was improvement in the filly and we were hoping she would take a step forward and clearly she has.

"Ryan wanted to be positive on her, he got a nice position and dictated the race and gave her a top-class ride."

Ryan Moore made all on Thoughts Of June in the Moyglare Stud silksCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Moore said: "She's a really nice, uncomplicated filly. She was going an extra furlong and a half on easier ground and we thought it would suit her well. She's a big girl and she's getting better."

The winning rider was suspended for two days (May 18-19) for careless riding after causing interference shortly after the start to Night Battle, whose jockey James Doyle was deemed guilty of careless riding in a separate incident and banned for three days (May 18-20).

The performance of the Coolmore-owned Above The Curve divided bookmaker opinion with Paddy Power pushing her out to 14-1 (from 12) for the Oaks, while Coral shortened her to 10-1 (from 12).

"She ran very well and there was a small margin between the two and they put a good bit of distance to the third horse," said Buckley.

"It was a good performance and Aidan's horse acted marginally better round here than Joseph's. It's very much a learning curve for all at this time of year."

Cazoo Oaks (4.30 Epsom, June 3)

Sky Bet: 7-2 Tuesday, 4 Emily Upjohn, 7 Agave, 15-2 Life Of Dreams, 8 With The Moonlight, 10 Concert Hall, 12 Nashwa, Inspiral, Thoughts Of June, Above The Curve, 16 Magical Lagoon, 20 bar

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