Perfect Clarity as short as 10-1 for Oaks after smooth success for delighted Cox

Clive Cox is looking forward to a serious crack at the Investec Oaks with Perfect Clarity, who was slashed to as short as 10-1 in a place and no bigger than 20-1 (from 50), after decisively winning the Betfred Mobile Oaks Trial.

The length-and-a-quarter success from the well-backed Cecchini came despite winning rider Adam Kirby dropping his whip with a furlong to go.

Miracle Seeker, Cox's previous winner of Lingfield's Oaks trial, was only 11th in the big race itself in 2008, but one senses Perfect Clarity will go to post with real optimism behind her, if not confidence.

Cox had made no secret of his regard for the filly beforehand and was delighted to see her step up so markedly on last year's winning debut at Nottingham.

He said: "She was always very nice and I'm just very pleased. She was a little bit on it and we've had to be careful, and the lads at home have done a great job. We've just brought her along quietly and everything has been very good. I'm very happy.

"I'll talk to Bridget [Drew, part-owner] but I think we'll be Epsom bound now. She's balanced and it was nice to come here over a proper trip.

"She's still learning and I think with maturity she could be very special as she's got a bit of size and scope. There weren't too many Nathaniel first-time-out winners last year, and he's a wonderful sire. Clearly she's an exciting filly."

Perfect Clarity and Adam Kirby with winning connections after the Oaks TrialCredit: Mark Cranham

He added: “She's soaking up everything here today. On her first run she was a bit like a rabbit in the headlights afterwards. Today I'm far more pleased – just her body language coming off the course was far more at home."

Kirby was equally taken and said: "She's a very smart filly and we knew that from what she did last year. We thought this would be right up her street as a good stepping stone, and hopefully she'll go forward again now.

"She's got speed – she has a turn of foot – and also gets the trip no problem."

Ralph Beckett, who has won this trial three times and the Oaks itself twice, was "encouraged rather than discouraged" by Cecchini's second, and although he and owner Peter Savill will not be rushed into a decision, one imagines they will opt to run at Epsom.

Beckett, whose Look Here was second here in 2008 before winning at Epsom, pointed out it was Cecchini's first run on turf and that she was pushed wide and ended racing somewhat on her own.

Furthermore, the filly was reported lame on her near-hind an hour after race.

Favourite Flattering, who finished third, had no apparent excuse, although she did not need one as this was probably an improvement on her maiden win.

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