Investec Oaks is definitely the prize for O’Brien’s Minding
Aidan O’Brien has confirmed the Investec Oaks will be the target for Minding as long as she recovers from a cut picked up in the stalls during last weekend’s Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Minding finished second in the race behind Jet Setting after banging her head and doubts about her Epsom participation have since surfaced.
However, O’Brien, speaking over the phone, was positive that her recovery was going well.
“Minding will do very little for the next 10 days and then we’ll look forward to the race if all is well,” he said.
“Hopefully she will be fit and ready and if she is it will definitely be the Oaks she is aimed at.”
But Coolmore’s UK representative Kevin Buckley confirmed that stablemate Ballydoyle was unlikely to take part as they “remain concerned with the low blood count” taken before the Irish 1,000 Guineas.
Hugo Palmer's Investec Oaks hopeful Architecture was present on the Downs and impressed in her canter under Frankie Dettori.
“Frankie gave her a little squeeze and she really picked up for him. I think he was caught by surprise,” said Palmer.
Another contender feeling out the Epsom undulations was the Mick Channon-trained Harlequeen, ridden by Betway ambassador Silvestre De Sousa.
Michael Channon Jnr, assistant to his father, was in attendance and admitted the she is still “very raw”.
“In the Musidora she was all over the shop. De Sousa said the main reason for hanging at York is she doesn't want it too lively.”
Tickets for both the Friday and Saturday of the Investec Derby Festival are selling fast. To book visit http://www.epsomderby.co.uk/ or call 0344 579 3004.