John Gosden hoping Anapurna can advance Classic claims in Oaks Trial

Racebets Money Back All Losers Oaks Trial (Listed) | 1m3½f | 3yo | ITV4/SKY

While Aidan O'Brien's Derby team grew stronger at Chester, John Gosden's Mehdaayih emerged as a leading contender for the Oaks with an impressive victory on Wednesday and the trainer could further strengthen his Classic hand with Anapurna, a winner here in January on the all-weather track.

Helena Springfield's filly runs in a contest last taken by a subsequent Oaks winner 20 years ago when Ramruma did the double.

Of the eight-strong field, Anapurna is one of six holding the Epsom entry and showed she could handle tight turns when accounting for Dawn Crossing by five lengths over 1m2f in January.

Gosden, who also fields Elisheba, has won the contest twice before, most recently with Hertford Dancer two years ago.

He said: "Anapurna progressed nicely from her first run when winning on the all-weather at the track. Since then we've had this race in mind, she should get the trip and hopefully both her and Elisheba can get some black type. We are hopeful that Elisheba will get the trip, although her family are milers so this will tell us plenty."

Step up in trip to unlock improvement from King Power

King Power, who is closely related to Oaks winner Talent, cost a whopping 2.5 million guineas as a yearling and looked to be an improving filly when chasing home the useful Sparkle Roll at Sandown last month.

As Sparkle Roll is a leading fancy for the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York next week, King Power's form puts her firmly in the mix.

King Power (blue): second to the smart Sparkle Roll at Sandown last timeCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Trainer Andrew Balding has yet to win this race but is hopeful King Power can make an impact, saying: "It's a step up in class but I think King Power was beaten by a very good one at Sandown last time. It's different ground but she should handle it and the step up in trip should suit."

Tauteke impressing on the gallops

Roger Varian has his team in good shape at the moment and there was lots to like about the way his candidate Tauteke scored on the all-weather last November. The daughter of Sea The Stars has since pleased in her work on the Al Bahathri polytrack this spring.

Varian said: "I like this filly. She's taken her time but is now beginning to shine and we think the ground and the trip won't be a problem for her. She's capable of running a nice race on her return."

Cape Islay (front): impressive winner at Epsom last seasonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Fellow Newmarket trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam runs Kvetuschka and said: "I'd say she'll outrun her price. She showed she can go around Lingfield when winning her maiden on the all-weather and the more rain the better."

Cape Islay, a winner at Epsom and Nottingham last season, also features with the Harry Dunlop-trained Lady Cosette.

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