Beckett content with Oaks trialist
Kayah will bid to maintain her unbeaten record when she faces six rivals in the totesport.com Oaks Trial at Lingfield tomorrow.
Ralph Beckett’s filly ran out a cosy winner of a Nottingham maiden on her only start as a juvenile and will be stepped up considerably in class and distance in this Listed contest.
“She trod on a stone earlier in the week but is OK now,” said Beckett.
“She cantered this morning and did well so hopefully everything is in place.
“Her work up until the weekend has also been good and she will appreciate the rain they have had there.
“The favourite (Godolphin’s Folk Opera) looks very good but I am hopeful.”
William Knight saddles Shimoni and hopes she can build on an authoritative success at Yarmouth last October.
While the Sussex handler acknowledges the scale of the task facing his daughter of Mark Of Esteem, he has handed her an entry in the Vodafone Oaks on June 1.
“She’s wintered well but we are obviously chucking her in at the deep-end somewhat off 78,” said Knight.
“The more rain the better her chances so I was happy to see they had a fair bit (of rain) on Thursday night.
“I also think the extra distance will suit her.”
Also declared in what promises to be an informative contest are Brisk Breeze, Elyaadi, Gull Wing and Sunlight.
