When does the Epsom Oaks get underway today?
The Betfred Oaks is the highlight of Friday's card at Epsom Downs and the second fillies' Classic of the season. Run over 1m4f, the race has produced some of the sport's greatest mares, including Enable, Love and Minding, and once again looks set to provide a fascinating contest in 2026.
Aidan O'Brien is chasing a remarkable 12th victory in the race and saddles a powerful team headed by Cheshire Oaks winner Amelia Earhart, while several unexposed rivals arrive with legitimate Classic aspirations.
What Time Is The Epsom Oaks?
The 2026 Betfred Oaks takes place at 4:00pm on Friday 5 June at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Run over a mile and a half, the Oaks is one of Britain's five Classics and is widely regarded as the premier middle-distance test for three-year-old fillies. The unique undulations, camber and downhill run into the straight make Epsom one of the most demanding tracks in world racing.
Epsom Oaks Latest Odds
Epsom Oaks Runners
Amelia Earhart
The Cheshire Oaks winner heads into the race as favourite after a dominant two-length success at Chester. Aidan O'Brien's filly is bred to stay, continues to improve with racing and has Ryan Moore in the saddle for a trainer-owner combination that has dominated this race for years.
Legacy Link
John and Thady Gosden's progressive Juddmonte filly enhanced her reputation when winning the Musidora Stakes at York. She still has to prove she fully stays 1m4f but possesses plenty of class and appeals as one of the leading dangers.
Thundering On
Joseph O'Brien's filly arrives on the back of victory in the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes. She has improved with every run this season and shapes as though the extra distance at Epsom could unlock further progress.
A La Prochaine
A lightly raced Ralph Beckett-trained filly who finished third in the Cheshire Oaks on her reappearance. She should strip fitter for that outing and the forecast rain could play to her strengths.
Cameo
Winner of the Lingfield Oaks Trial, a race that often provides strong clues for Epsom. She has already shown she can handle varying ground conditions and brings proven stamina credentials to the contest.
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K Sarra
A full sister to Great Voltigeur winner Pride Of Arras, she took a significant step forward when finishing third in the Musidora Stakes. Her pedigree suggests this longer trip could bring out further improvement.
Venetian Lace
One of the highest-rated fillies in the field after her excellent juvenile campaign, which included a second-place finish in the Fillies' Mile. She returned with a strong effort in the 1000 Guineas and has the pedigree to stay this distance.
Sugar Island
Perhaps the most overlooked runner in the field. She beat both Thundering On and Cameo on heavy ground at the Curragh last season and was attempting to concede weight when fourth in the Cheshire Oaks. Softer conditions could see her outperform market expectations.
On Message
A steadily progressive filly from the Ralph Beckett yard. She won at Epsom on her seasonal return before running well in Listed company at Goodwood and shapes like a filly who will appreciate stepping up to 1m4f.
Epsom Oaks Tip (Steve Ryder's Tip)
Sugar Island – 33/1
While Amelia Earhart deserves her place at the head of the market, the value may lie elsewhere. Sugar Island's price appears to underestimate the strength of her juvenile form, particularly her victory at the Curragh where she finished ahead of both Thundering On and Cameo.
Her Cheshire Oaks effort can also be upgraded given she was conceding 5lb to several rivals and was making her seasonal reappearance. The daughter of Heaven On Earth is bred for this race, with close family links to Oaks winners Minding and Tuesday, and any further rain would only strengthen her claims.
With Aidan O'Brien having landed this race before with less-fancied runners, Sugar Island looks capable of outrunning her odds and makes plenty of each-way appeal at around 33/1.
