Izzi Team Praying For Rain

Connections of recent impressive Newbury winner Izzi Top have made it clear that the participation of their improving filly in next weekend’s Investec Oaks at Epsom depends very much on the state of the ground, writes Elliot Slater.

The John Gosden-trained three-year-old put behind her a slightly disappointing effort on her seasonal return when finishing only third at Newmarket at the start of the month, by quickening well inside the final furlong to get the better of stirring battle with Dancing Rain to land the Listed Swettenham Stud Fillies’ Trial Stakes, an event that has often proven a sound guide to horses running well in the Oaks itself a few weeks later something those who bet horse racing money will be well aware of.

Currently on offer for the mile-and-a-half classic race at odds ranging between 16/1 to 33/1, the daughter of Pivotal is by no means a certain starter at Epsom after her owner Mark Weinfeld of the Meon Valley Stud made it clear that he would be reluctant to risk the impeccably bred daughter of the smart Zee Zee Top if the ground doesn’t ease in the days leading up to the big race.

Weinfeld noted that his charge found the ground plenty quick enough for her at Newbury and would probably not be given the green light to run if underfoot conditions do not improve. Godolphin’s Qipco 1000 Guineas winner Blue Bunting remains a solid order at the head of the market for the Investec Oaks , Frankie Dettori’s mount being a best priced 9/4 chance, whilst sustained support in recent days for ante-post second favourite Wonder of Wonders has forced the Aidan O’Brien-trained Chester winner down from 5/1 to 4/1. Those betting onlinemay want to shop around for the best price.

Sir Michael Stoute’s 1000 Guineas disappointment Havant is a 6/1 chance, whilst Mick Channon’s impressive Lingfield Oaks Trial heroine Zain Al Boldan is a solid 10/1 fourth favourite.