The Epsom Festival gets underway today and the feature race of the day is the Epsom Oaks.
12 fillies go to post this afternoon to compete over 1m4f in the Epsom Oaks.
The winner will take home an impressive £311,905 in prize money, along with the bragging rights for winning one of the five classics this season.
The leading contender for this grand prize is currently Ylang Ylang, trained by A. P. O'Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore.
O'Brien has won this race in six of the last ten editions, with the other four victories claimed by the Gosdens, who surprisingly don't have an entrant in this year's race.
It also boosts their chances that the leading jockey in this race, Ryan Moore, takes the saddle. Moore has secured four wins and eight places in his 15 attempts at the Oaks.
Will O'Brien's dominance continue or will we see a new face on the honours list?
Who is the Favourite to Win the Epsom Oaks 2024?
Despite a 5th place finish in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, it is no surprise to see Ylang Ylang retain her place at the top of the betting.
Indeed, whilst she finished 5th, she was only beaten a length and stayed on powerfully in the closing stages to indicate she is up to this step up in trip.
She is a best price 13/8 at various bookmakers including William Hill at the time of writing.
Her Fillies' Mile win at Newmarket on soft ground at the end of last season also showed this impressive staying power that will be required in this stamina test.
Moreover, the fact she has handled Newmarket's undulations so well gives a positive sign that Epsom will prove no hindrance. She's race fit with a run under her belt and can go very close.
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