Varian expecting Oaks contender Teona to come home strong in first-time hood

It's full steam ahead to next month's Epsom Classics, the Cazoo Derby and Cazoo Oaks. Market movers come thick and fast as the key Classic trials are run in Britain and Ireland, but big-race contenders can come from anywhere and it's easy to miss a potential dark horse. Classic Clues, our new series running every morning, has you covered. Here's a recap of Tuesday's action and how it's impacted on the Classic betting, while we mark your card with key names to note today

Racing round-up: Varian filly lighting up Newmarket

Cazoo Oaks contender Teona produced what the Racing Post's Newmarket correspondent David Milnes described as a "scintillating workout" on Tuesday ahead of her bid for Classic glory at Epsom.

Teona ruined her chance of winning the Musidora at York last time by being far too keen early on, and that display has led Varian to decide to deploy a hood on her at Epsom.

Varian said: "Teona worked very nicely in a hood and it’s likely she’ll wear one at Epsom as she does best in one at home.

"It was a very unsatisfactory race at York as they went no pace and she burned up too much energy in the early stages.

"She ended up racing back to front and hopefully they will go a better tempo in the Oaks. If she does settle early, I expect her to come home strong in the straight."

Varian has a strong hand in the Oaks, with Teona and Zeyaadah rated a general 7-1 shots with the bookmakers.

Regally bred filly confirmed for Epsom

Noon Star finished one place ahead of Teona at York and was on Tuesday confirmed as a runner in the Oaks herself.

By Galileo out of six-time Group 1 winner Midday, Noon Star was three and three-quarter lengths behind Snowfall at York and is a general 10-1 shot for the Oaks.

Noon Star: set for the OaksCredit: Tim Goode (Getty Images)

Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager to owner Juddmonte, said: "The family are happy for the filly to go for the Oaks, so in principle she will go but the final decision will be made over the weekend.

"It was a bit of a muddling race at York, but that having being said it was the same for everyone. We would have liked to have seen more pace, but it didn’t materialise.

"There is plenty of stamina in her pedigree and from that point of view a mile and a half in either the Oaks, and/or Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot should play to her strengths.

"It was a smart enough race at York and she has come out of it in good shape."

If you want more on the 2021 Flat season:

'Let's go and do our best' – Saffron Beach confirmed for Cazoo Oaks bid

Donnacha O'Brien eyeing Coronation Stakes or Diane for star filly Shale

What's on this week: Brigadier Gerard card the midweek standout at Sandown

Watch live races through the Racing Post. Log in to your bookmaker account and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here