The 2026 Epsom Oaks headlines Derby Festival’s opening day, with a strong lineup led by Ballydoyle’s Amelia Earhart after her Cheshire Oaks win. However, expert opinion suggests looking beyond the favorite, pointing to A La Prochaine at 10/1 as standout value. Proven over soft ground and expected to excel over the mile-and-a-half, A La Prochaine could surprise under the guidance of two-time Oaks-winning trainer Ralph Beckett. Key contenders also include Legacy Link and Thundering On, but the recommendation is to back A La Prochaine for the win.
Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Epsom Oaks
This Classic takes place at Epsom on Friday 5th June
A La Prochaine is our each-way tip at 10/1
The Epsom Oaks. (Getty)
The opening day of the Derby Festival is headlined by the fillies' equivalent of that famous Classic, the Epsom Oaks. The Oaks was actually created the year before the Epsom Derby back in 1779, and many of the sports finest fillies have won this historic contest.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Epsom Oaks, including our best betting tips.
2026 Epsom Oaks Odds
Name
Odds
Amelia Earhart
2/1
Legacy Link
3/1
Thundering On
6/1
Cameo
8/1
A La Prochaine
10/1
Venetian Lace
14/1
Bar
16/1
2026 Epsom Oaks Runners
Six of the last ten renewals of the Oaks have gone the way of Ballydoyle, and Aidan O'Brien looks set to play a strong hand again in 2026. Leading the way in the betting is Amelia Earhart, following her impressive victory in the Cheshire Oaks at Chester.
Legacy Link impressed when taking out the Musidora Stakes, and she looks to be the leading contender for John and Thady Gosden. Joseph O'Brien's Group Three winner, Thundering On has been backed into a single-figure price in recent weeks.
A La Prochaine renews rivalries with the market leader, following her third-placed effort at Chester. Charlie Johnston's Venetian Lace will step up to a mile-and-a-half, following an excellent reappearance third in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Along with A La Prochaine, Ralph Beckett will run Musidora third K Sarra, and recent Goodwood third On Message. Aidan O'Brien is further represented by Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Cameo, along with likely pace-maker Sugar Island.
2026 Epsom Oaks Draw
Stall
Name
1
Legacy Link
2
A La Prochaine
3
Sugar Island
4
Amelia Earhart
5
Thundering On
6
K Sarra
7
On Message
8
Venetian Lace
9
Cameo
A La Prochaine (right) finishing behind Amelia Earhart in the 2026 Cheshire Oaks. (Getty) 2026 Epsom Oaks Tips
It's very difficult to side against Aidan O'Brien in the Epsom Classics. His horses have dominated the trials once again, and his record in both the Derby and the Oaks is exceptional.
That being said, I don't think Amelia Earhart is that good. Cameo interests me more at the prices, and Wayne Lordan's mount should be able to settle nicely behind the decent pace that will likely be set by the Ballydoyle third string, Sugar Island.
Legacy Link is a real challenger to Aidan O'Brien's trio, and I could see a world where she's backed into favouritism before the off. Thundering On was really impressive when winning her trial at Navan - I'm just a little worried about her stamina over this trip, especially given the current state of the ground.
I'm going to chance my arm with A LA PROCHAINE (10/1) for two-time Oaks-winning trainer Ralph Beckett. A 550,000gns purchase for Amo Racing, A La Prochaine will be having just the third start of her short career in this fabled Classic, and there's clearly much more to come from this leggy daughter of Lope De Vega.
James Doyle's mount won her maiden on soft ground last season, comfortably beating stablemate Gone By over a mile at Newbury. A La Prochaine was held up at the rear in the Cheshire Oaks, and didn't seem all that comfortable on the quickening ground. As Amelia Earhart and I'm The One moved towards the centre of the track to challenge, Doyle was forced to dart towards the inside rail to make inroads, and Beckett's filly kept on well in the closing stages to finish a clear third.
Beckett said in an interview last month that he was delighted with how A La Prochaine came out of Chester, and the fact that he didn't bring her to Epsom for the gallops morning suggests that the track holds no fears for the team. Doyle has landed a low draw in stall two, but Sugar Island is drawn next to him in stall three, so he should be able to get a nice toe into the race from her.
On breeding, A La Prochaine is bred to be at her best over this mile-and-a-half trip. She's with an excellent trainer and is proven on softer ground. Despite a lowly rating of just 98, A La Prochaine could turn out to be a top-drawer filly.
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Verdict
A La Prochaine is our selection in the 2026 Epsom Oaks.
Best Bet1: A La Prochaine E/W 2026 Epsom Oaks Tips @10/1 at bet365 - 5 Units
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