Leading owner Anthony Oppenheimer is very apprehensive ahead of Frankly Darling's run in the Epsom Oaks and he is hoping the filly can land the contest to then see him have a winner in every Classic in Britain during his owning career.
Since the owner started his breeding operation in the sport he has gone on to land the 2000 Guineas with Footstepsinthesand, 1000 Guineas with On The House, The Derby with Golden Horn and the St Leger with Harbour Law.
The Oaks is the final piece of the puzzle that Frankly Darling can land for the owner and he is very much looking forward to her running again after bother her performances so far this season.
(Credit AtTheRaces) “I would absolutely love to win the Oaks – it’s the only British Classic we haven’t bred the winner of and it’s one of my big ambitions,” said Oppenheimer.
“It won’t be easy, of course, but let’s hope this filly can do it.”
The John Gosden trained superstar has raced three times to date, finishing second on her only start as a juvenile at Yarmouth where it was evident she needed a step up in trip.
Wow! Frankel filly Frankly Darling powers to Ribblesdale glory under @FrankieDettori for John Gosden@Ascot #RoyalAscot pic.twitter.com/wNcV0VGPq9
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 16, 2020
The daughter of Frankel made her reappearance as a three year old at Newcastle and romped to victory when stepping up in trip to 1 mile 2 furlongs.
This set her up perfectly for a crack at the Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and again it was a procession with her being stretched out to win cosily.
Off the back of what she has done so far this term she has been installed as the 11/4 second favourite for the Epsom Oaks, just behind Love for Aidan O'Brien who landed the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.
Oppenheimer added: “It was fantastic to watch (at Royal Ascot). We thought she was useful, but to see her win the way she did was very nice. In these times that we’re in, to have a big winner like that was really good.
“I think that (Oaks) is the intention at the moment, as long as the ground is suitable. We’ll see what the opposition is like nearer the time – there’ll be only one Hascombe horse and there might be 10 or more from Coolmore, which will be interesting!”
With the current restrictions in the sport it means that owners can not attend racecourses to watch their horses but Oppenheimer has not entirely given up on the possibility of being at Epsom.
He said: “I have a suspicion some owners might be able to go racing on July 4. I would certainly love to be there and if there is any way I can be, I will be.”