"We plan to supplement her" - Elwateen to replace Falakeyah in Oaks line-up
Shadwell has confirmed Elwateen will be supplemented for the Epsom Oaks, stepping up after Falakeyah opts for a different path following concerns over her suitability for the race. Falakeyah, initially favored after winning the Pretty Polly Stakes, could now race in the Prix de Diane. Despite Falakeyah's absence, Shadwell remains hopeful with Elwateen, fresh from a fourth-place finish in the 1000 Guineas. Elwateen is priced at 12/1 and will compete against favorite Desert Flower for Oaks success.
- Elwateen confirmed for Epsom Oaks, replacing Falakeyah
- Concerns over Falakeyah's suitability for Epsom distance
- Elwateen showed promise, recently finishing 4th in 1000 Guineas
Shadwell have confirmed that Elwateen will be supplemented for the Epsom Oaks, with Falakeyah likely to head to France or Royal Ascot instead.
Falakeyah sat prominently in the early betting for the Epsom Oaks, despite only running once as a juvenile at Wolverhampton. Owen Burrows' filly was cut for that Classic earlier this month, following a runaway victory in the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket.
As reservations about her suitability for Epsom began to surface, Falakeyah has slid down the Oaks market in recent weeks. Angus Gold, racing manager to Shadwell Stud, spoke to the press this week and confirmed that Falakeyah is an unlikely runner at Epsom next Saturday.
"Jim Crowley doesn't think a mile and a half is Falakeyah's trip at the moment." Gold said.
"She's in the Prix de Diane. She's not in the Coronation Stakes at the moment but she could be added, although the Prix de Diane is a live option."
It's been 11 years since the colours of the late Hamdan Al Maktoum were carried to Oaks glory. Falakeyah won't be following in the footsteps of greats like Taghrooda and Salsabil, but Gold confirmed on Thursday that Shadwell would still be represented in this famous fillies' Classic.
"Elwateen is in the could be anything bracket and she shapes as if she'll get the trip. If all is well in the morning the plan is to supplement her for the Oaks."
Saeed bin Suroor's filly stepped up to Group One company for the first time in the 1000 Guineas earlier this month and performed well to finish fourth behind Desert Flower. Elwateen will meet her Guineas conquerer again in the Oaks, but Bin Suroor is confident his filly can close that gap over this longer trip.
“Elwateen is an improving filly," bin Suroor said. "She won her maiden well last year and finished fourth in the 1,000 Guineas which is a great result for her on just her second start."
"She shapes as if she will get at least a mile and a quarter and we expect her to get the trip around Epsom. The plan is for Jim Crowley to ride her."
Elwateen entered the Epsom Oaks betting at an opening price of 12/1. Desert Flower remains the market leader, ahead of Aidan O'Brien's most impressive Trial winner, Minnie Hauk.
Latest Oaks Betting
2/1 Desert Flower, 4/1 Minnie Hauk, 5/1 Giselle, 6/1 Whirl, 8/1 Falakeyah, 10/1 Revoir, 12/1 Elwateen, Lake Victoria, 16/1 Qilin Queen, Wemighttakedlongway, 33/1 Bar.
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