Beckett double-handed as Cabaletta takes on her elders in Lancashire Oaks

Bet365 Lancashire Oaks (Group 2) | 1m4f | 3yo+| ITV/RTV

If there is any familiarity to this pleasingly topsy-turvy weekend, it is the Lancashire Oaks taking its traditional place as the feature event at Haydock on the same day as the Eclipse. It has thus been displaced by little more than 24 hours.

That is worth noting, as this is often an early clash between three-year-olds and older horses which, unlike the Eclipse, will still welcome the Classic generation this year.

The record of three-year-olds in recent runnings – one win in the last ten years – is not promising. But things are not as bad as that suggests. In the same timeframe there have been 14 runners aged three, with their SPs suggesting 1.45 expected winners. One winner is therefore a modest return, but not a troubling one.

Three-year-olds will often come into this race with the worst form and that is the case with Cabaletta, the only such horse in this year's field. She was given an Oaks trial after beating Frankly Darling on her debut but proved no match for Franconia at Newbury. There is enough to think she will make an impact in sex-restricted Group races at some point, but she is arguably underpriced to do so here.

Cabaletta (left) will bid to step up on her debut second at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

One of the most interesting aspects of the race is how it has been flooded by Ralph Beckett runners. Beckett trains two of the five in all, including Manuela De Vega. Hereby is reappearing and, for all she was highly progressive last year, the safest baseline assumption is that she will prove sharper for this unless the market says otherwise.

Keith Melrose, betting editor

Hornby eyeing biggest win

Rob Hornby is chasing a first Group 2 and looks in pole position as he is reunited with recent course and distance winner Manuela De Vega.

The form of the daughter of Lope De Vega's comeback win in the Group 3 Pinnacle Stakes got a massive boost when runner-up Fanny Logan went on to land the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Hornby said: "I've won a few Group 3s and been placed at Group 2 level before in the Lily Langtry Stakes at Goodwood, but this looks my best opportunity.

"Thanks to the owners and Mr Beckett for allowing me to keep the ride and it will be fascinating to see how she gets on."

What they say

Julian Richmond-Watson, owner of Hereby
We had wanted to run her in the Golden Horse handicap at Royal Ascot but she only made the reserve list so we missed out. She was progressive last year but looks the third string in this race and if she can get some black type we'll be happy.

Rob Hornby, rider of Manuela De Vega
If she repeats what she did there last time she'll be very competitive and I would imagine the plan would be to make the most of her stamina and have her on the pace.

Brian Meehan, trainer of Spirit Of Appin
She's been in great order at home and is ready to start back on ground she should handle. This looks a good opportunity and we feel she's improved over the winter.

Roger Varian, trainer of Cabaletta
She’s a nice filly who had a really good comeback run behind Franconia at Newbury. She’s crying out for the extra two furlongs, will cope with the ground and I can see her running a nice race.

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