Green Vow powers to
victory in Oaks Trial
Report: Lingfield, Saturday
Betfred "The Bonus King" Oaks Trial Stakes (Listed) 1m4f, 3yo fillies, all-weather
VOW asserted stylishly in the straight at Lingfield to maintain the unbeaten start to her career despite lugging left and running green off the home turn.
Trained by William Haggas, who landed the Investec Oaks last year with Dancing Rain, Vow tracked Estrela as she set a steady pace and kicked for home with two furlongs remaining.
But off Lingfield's sharp all-weather bend, on which the race was being run after the turf course was deemed too heavy for racing, Vow showed signs of inexperience and briefly opened up the race for Colima and Estrela, who finished second and third.
However, once righted by jockey Johnny Murtagh, Vow powered through the final furlong earning an 8-1 quote (from 16) with Paddy Power.
Murtagh said: "She was still a little green. She ducked to the right and when she saw the crowd she ducked back to the left. If they're going well at the two-furlong marker they usually handle Epsom so hopefully she will."
Vow runs in the colours of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing and director Harry Herbert said: "We will see what everybody has to say but hopefully we'll be going [to the Oaks]. The dream is still alive."
He added: "We need to see what William and Maureen [Haggas] have to say and how she comes out of the race. The greenness would be a concern and that's something to put in the 'something to be concerned about' column as she is very babyish."
OAKS PRICEWISE: Tom Segal reveals his ante-post pick for the Oaks in Tuesday's Racing Post - don't miss it!
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