Derby and Oaks Betting News
Due to the prevailing wet conditions today's Oaks and Derby trial's at Lingfield were both switched to the all-weather track, which, although far from satisfactory, gave several Epsom entries the opportunity to gain valuable experience.
The Betfred " The Bonus King " Oaks Trial Stakes saw a sustained morning gamble on the William Haggas trained Vow, winner of his only start in a Newbury maiden last month.
Available early at 2/1, the daughter of Motivator was sent off a warm 11/10 favourite, and Johnny Murtagh soon had the filly in a prominent position behind the pacesetting Estrela.
Hitting the front early in the straight Vow looked set for an easy victory, before veering sharply to the right in the closing stages. Once straightened up however, the result was never in doubt, and the experience is sure to have done the filly the world of good.
Initial bookmaker reaction was mixed, with Coral going no bigger than 5/1 for Epsom, while Ladbrokes offered a more than generous 14/1, a price that lasted just short of half an hour. The " Magic Sign " were still happy to quote a standout 10/1 however, a full two points bigger than any competitor.
The one major doubt regarding Vow's Oaks chance is just how she will cope with the sweeping bend that is Tattenham Corner, something that has caught many good horses out in the past.
The finish of the Betfred Derby Trial Stakes was fought out between the unbeaten Main Sequence and the well regarded John Gosden colt Shantaram, with the former asserting in the closing stages to win going away by three quarters of a length.
David Lanigan's son of Aldebaran was stepping up in class, having previously won a Newmarker handicap off a mark of 89, and while the mount of Ted Durcan is obviously very smart, it is doubtful if the result will give trainer Aidan O'Brien and the Ballydoyle camp many sleepless nights.
While Main Sequence is a general 20/1 chance for Epsom glory, William Hill were less impressed with a quote of 25/1.