The big mover in the Epsom Oaks market at the weekend was Thundering On for Joseph O’Brien. The daughter of Frankel is out of Group 1 winning mare Thundering Nights and belatedly got off the mark in the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes at Navan last time out.
Despite the fact she was stepping up to Group 3 company, she acquitted herself in fine style. The race was won in 2024 by Ezeliya, who went on to win the Oaks for Dermot Weld later in the season. The step up in trip to 1m2f evidently helped O’Brien’s filly. However, a further increase in distance to 1m4f at Epsom is not yet guaranteed.
Thundering On is entered in both the Oaks and the Prix De Diane. The French Oaks takes place a week before the Epsom Classics and is run over 1m2 1/2f. On pedigree, the challenge at Chantilly may prove a better fit.
Nevertheless, punters latched onto Thundering On’s potential Epsom chances. With Aidan O’Brien not dominating the betting as he is in the Derby, bettors are evidently seeking out alternatives.
“We have to see how her final work goes” – O’Brien
For those yet to support the gamble, O’Brien has issued a word of caution. Though the Epsom Oaks is firmly under consideration, a decision on her destination is far from certain as yet.
“A final decision is yet to be made on Thundering On as she has the option of the Diane or Epsom,” O’Brien said to the Racing Post. “It’ll be one of those two. The Diane is looking strong and the Oaks is looking strong too but maybe a bit more open.
“We have to see how her final work goes over the next week or so and we’ll discuss it with the owners.”
Conversely, the target is already set for O’Brien’s leading Derby hope. James J Braddock won the Leopardstown Derby Trial recently, beating dad Aidan’s leadinh hope Pierre Bonnard. The colt is definitely set to run at the Surrey track.
“It looks most likely that James J Braddock will go to the Derby. We have some other options but when you win a trial and you’re in the top four or so in the betting for Epsom, you have to roll the dice. He’s an exciting colt.”
The three-year-old is owned by ITV Racing’s Kevin Blake. Named after the boxer, the son of Zarak is a best-priced 14/1 for Epsom.