'Gorgeous filly' Ocean Road to test Oaks mettle for Hugo Palmer

2.15 Lingfield
Novibet Oaks Trial Fillies' Stakes (Listed) | 1m3½f | 3yo | ITV4/Sky

Although this hasn't been the most profitable trial to follow with the Oaks in mind over the last 30 years, sleep on the winner of this Listed event at your peril.

User Friendly (1992), Lady Carla (1996) and Ramruma (1999) went on to Epsom glory after being victorious here and although Aidan O'Brien's recent dominance has dramatically reduced the strike-rate of Lingfield winners doing the double, Anapurna ended that drought in 2019 under Frankie Dettori.

Technique, currently the shortest-priced runner in this year's edition for the Cazoo Oaks at a general 25-1, will look to follow in her hoofprints and provide trainer Martyn Meade with his first Group 1 victory with a filly. However, she appears to be priced on potential rather than proven form and may be vulnerable.

Wirko and Technique head towards the line in the Blue Riband Trial at EpsomCredit: Edward Whitaker

The daughter of Mastercraftsman fared well when second in the Listed Blue Riband Trial against the boys on her three-year-old reappearance, but eventual winner Wirko failed to boost the form at Chester on Wednesday and she arguably faces a tougher task now back against her own sex.

The likelihood of her staying this trip is also questionable – Mastercraftsman was at his best over a mile at three (although he did win over 1m2½f later in his career), while her half-brother, Mostallim, has recorded his sole victory over 7f. There is some stamina on the distaff side of her pedigree, but she was run down over shorter last time.

It isn't preposterous to have the same concerns about Nash Nasha, although the way she fended off two rivals to win over 1m2f at Sandown 15 days ago and the fact that she's a sister to 1m4f winner Swift Verdict suggests this distance may well be in reach. On ratings she needs to take a big step forward, but that isn't inconceivable after just three runs.

Nash Nasha (left): the daughter of Dubawi and Just The Judge takes the fillies' novice contest from Breccia and Chiasma, a full-sister to FrankelCredit: Edward Whitaker

All-weather maiden winners Ocean Road, Save A Forest, Regent and Sherbet Lemon also need to improve now switched to turf, while Loving Dream is the sole representative for John and Thady Gosden, whose Clarehaven Stables has sent out three of the last four winners of this race.

Loving Dream bumped into Oaks fancy Noon Star on her reappearance, but interestingly doesn't have an entry in the Classic herself. Make of that what you will.
Race analysis by Tom Collins

'The step up in trip should suit her'

Technique, a best-priced 25-1 shot for the Cazoo Oaks next month, bids to book her place in the Epsom Classic after showing great aptitude for the Surrey track first time out this season.

The Sean Levey-ridden filly moved nicely over the Epsom undulations when runner-up to Wirko in the Blue Riband Trial, looking the likely winner until worn down close home.

Although the winner failed to frank the form on Wednesday when finishing only fourth of six behind Youth Spirit in the Group 3 Chester Vase, Technique’s trainer Martyn Meade is still full of hope his filly can prove herself Oaks class at a track which, of course, isn’t dissimilar to Epsom.

“Technique ran very well against the colts at Epsom,” Meade said. “The step up in trip at Lingfield should suit her well.

“The Oaks has always been the long-term plan with her, but no final decision has been made as yet. Hopefully she’ll go close on Saturday.

“She certainly handled Epsom well, which is a huge plus both in terms of a possible Oaks run and this race at Lingfield.

“The Lingfield Trial is always a very good trial, so we’ll have to see how she fares.”

What they say

Marco Botti, trainer of Invite
She’s been a bit unlucky in her two runs for us, being beaten by two good fillies in Regent at Lingfield and Save A Forest at Windsor. She is bred to stay the trip but I would be a bit concerned if the ground gets soft – plenty of rain is forecast – as she’s untried on it. She’s in good order and hopefully can get some black type.

Thady Gosden, joint-trainer of Loving Dream and Regent
Loving Dream ran into a decent filly of Sir Michael Stoute's at Wetherby on her seasonal return and she should be suited by the step up in trip and any ease in the ground. Regent should be okay on the track as she has won on the neighbouring all-weather course and this looks a black-type opportunity for her.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Nash Nasha
She just goes about her business quietly at home and may have gone a bit under the radar as a result. She impressed us at Sandown where she went out and got the job done. She’s had a run on good to soft before and should show improvement for the step up in trip.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Ocean Road
She's a gorgeous filly with a gorgeous pedigree and is bred to improve for going the extra half mile and I'm sure she has the scope to be smart. This will tell us whether she's an Oaks filly or not. I feel confident she'll be up to Listed grade at some point in her career.

Roger Varian, trainer of Save A Forest
She's an improving filly who doesn't do a lot at home so it's difficult to get a handle on her, but she's in good form. The trip and any ease in the ground should be fine for her.
Reporting by Richard Birch

Read more Saturday previews:

2.30 Ascot: 'He's in great shape' – Crisford bullish about Without A Fight for Buckhounds

2.50 Lingfield: is there a genuine Epsom contender ready to pounce in the Derby Trial?

3.25 Lingfield: Chris Wall worried rain could burst Double Or Bubble's chances of a four-timer

3.40 Ascot: high numbers could hold sway in Victoria Cup puzzle if forecast rain arrives

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