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Emily Upjohn to miss Knavesmire clash with Alpinista in Yorkshire Oaks

Emily Upjohn: hot Oaks favourite
Emily Upjohn: set to miss York's Ebor festivalCredit: Edward Whitaker

Oaks runner-up Emily Upjohn is to miss her engagement in Thursday's Group 1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks as she is being "freshened up" for an autumn campaign that could kick off in September, connections have revealed.

The John and Thady Gosden-trained filly has had a summer of ups and downs since she won the Musidora Stakes on the Knavesmire in May.

After stumbling and losing many lengths at the start at Epsom, Emily Upjohn still ran a huge race to go down by just a short head to Tuesday.

Emily Upjohn (red) narrowly denied by Tuesday in the Cazoo Oaks
Emily Upjohn (red) narrowly denied by Tuesday in the Cazoo OaksCredit: Edward Whitaker

The daughter of Sea The Stars then bypassed a crack at the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot in June to wait for the Irish Oaks at the Curragh the following month, only for her trip to be thwarted at the 11th hour by a plane malfunction.

During this time, owner Jon Shack sold a half-share in the filly to Watership Down Stud, in whose colours she made an inauspicious start when finishing last of six behind Pyledriver in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot last month.

Joint-trainer John Gosden said: "Emily Upjohn won’t be on the York team as we are just freshening her up at the moment with a view to campaigning her in September and October.

"She was unlucky in the Oaks but the King George was a strange race so hopefully she can bounce back."

Emily Upjohn had been a general 4-1 third favourite behind Alpinista for the Yorkshire Oaks.

She holds entries in the St Leger and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, as well as the Fillies & Mares and Champion Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot in October.

Alpinista was one of 12 six-day confirmations for the Yorkshire Oaks on Friday, with Juddmonte's Raclette, saddled by Andre Fabre to win the Group 2 Prix de Malleret last month, added to the mix at a cost of £40,000.


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David MilnesNewmarket correspondent

Published on 12 August 2022inNews

Last updated 17:06, 12 August 2022

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