Nine fillies go to post for Friday’s 2026 Betfred Oaks at 4pm at Epsom Downs. Some of the best middle distance fillies do battle over 1m 4f and look to etch their name into Classic folklore.
Steve Chambers previews Friday’s Group 1 showpiece and picks out his 1-2-3 for the Oaks, as well as looking at the latest odds and trends for what should be an enthralling renewal.
2026 Oaks Runners
With 11 career wins in the race, Aidan O’Brien has been the dominant force in recent decades in the Oaks. Having saddled Minnie Hauk to victory 12 months ago the master of Ballydoyle will attempt to make it win number 12 on Friday. He will unleash a three-pronged attack on the contest, with the primary shot from that triumvirate being impressive Cheshire Oaks winner Amelia Earhart, who is the hot favourite for the race.
The daughter of Camelot was sent off second favourite behind I’m The One at Chester, but down that rival impressively. Winning by two lengths, she looked like there could be huge improvement still to come, and if she can continue on an upward curve sets the standard here. Cameo is another leading player for O’Brien and she won the Lingfield Oaks Trial, but she may lack the improvement of her stablemate. Sugar Island is a huge outsider and could have pacemaking duties.
John & Thady Gosden won this back in 2023 with Soul Sister and they saddle Legacy Link. Last seen impressing in the Musidora Stakes at York, she’s another that could come on for that run. That was her first start of the season and she is certainly a huge rival to Amelia Earhart.
A Group 3 win in the Salsabil Stakes booked Thundering On‘s place in the field for Joseph O’Brien. The daughter of Frankel steps up to 1m 4f here. However, she looked like she should relish the step up from ten furlongs. Ralph Beckett won the Oaks in 2013 and he will saddle A La Prochaine, who was third in the Cheshire Oaks. Venetian Lace, K Sarra and On Message complete the nine-strong line-up.
2026 Oaks Racecard
Awaiting Racecard…..
2026 Oaks Trends
Check out the key Oaks trends to be aware of ahead of Friday’s Classic at Epsom Downs.
2026 Oaks Tips
It may not be a vintage renewal of the Oaks, but plenty line up with potential to improve. Amelia Earhart beat a smart rival in I’m The One at Chester and she can duly dominate for Aidan O’Brien. She quickened impressively that day on the Roodee and she looks tailor-made for this Epsom test. Joseph O’Brien’s Thundering On landed a Group 3 last time out and can prove to be the biggest danger to the Ballydoyle hotpot, whilst Cameo can outbattle Legacy Link for third place.
- Amelia Earhart
- Thundering On
- Cameo
FAQ
When and where is the Oaks run?
The Oaks will take place at Epsom racecourse on Friday 5th June, 2026 at 4.00pm.
How can I watch the Oaks on Friday?
The Oaks is live on ITV at 4.35pm on Friday afternoon.
When were the Oaks tips published?
The tips for the Oaks were published at 14.05pm on Wednesday 3rd June.
Commercial notice: This article on GG.co.uk contains affiliate links. The offers we promote come from operators that we trust and our experts have first-hand experience dealing with. If you open an account through one of these affiliate links then GG will earn revenue. However, we ensure that the money earned goes back into improving and enhancing our coverage of horse racing and other sports, as we look to provide an excellent service to our growing audience.