Epsom Oaks Runners 2024: Dozen Declared Seeking Epsom Glory

12 fillies have been declared to contest the Epsom Oaks, run this week on Friday, 31st May. An increase of three runners compared to last year’s relatively small field renewal, the main protagonists have all stood their ground in what promises to be an enlightening third Classic of the British flat season.

Aidan O’Brien runs two in his quest to win a seventh Oaks in the last ten years. He missed out on a fourth successive victory in 2023, but has declared long ante-post favourite Ylang Ylang as well as Rubies Are Red, still a maiden after three starts, but an extremely eyecatching second in the Lingfield Oaks Trial most recently.

O’Brien was the only trainer to take any runners out at the final stage, with Buttons, Everlasting and Opera Singer saved for a later date. The other ten confirmations all remained in the race, with further Irish fillies Ezeliya and Caught U Looking set to represent Dermot Weld and Noel Meade respectively.

No yard but O’Brien’s or John Gosden’s has won the Oaks in the last ten years, but Ralph Beckett is likely to spearhead the home challenge, with both of his trial winners Forest Fairy (Cheshire Oaks) and You Got To Me (Lingfield Oaks Trial) declared. He is also responsible for both royal contender Treasure, carrying the colours of His Majesty The King, and Sea The Stars’ daughter Seaward.

Another trial heroine Secret Satire, who claimed the Musidora Stakes as 2023 Oaks winner Soul Sister did a year ago, will represent Andrew Balding. The remaining trio are Godolphin filly Dance Sequence, stepping up significantly in trip here, and outsiders Making Dreams and War Chimes.

2024 Epsom Oaks Runners