Al Agaila primed for star-studded Derby clash after Winter Oaks triumph

Saturday: Lingfield

A showdown with Group 1 stars Pyledriver and Lord North could be next for Al Agaila after she snatched victory in the feature Winter Oaks.

The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained filly completed a hat-trick of victories by a narrow margin on Saturday's Winter Million card, sweeping confidently to the lead on the home bend to strike by a head under James Doyle.

A return bid to Lingfield is likely next month, when Al Agaila could become the first filly to win the Betway Winter Derby on February 25.

"We're absolutely delighted," said joint-trainer Simon Crisford. "It was a tactical race and we could have benefited from a much stronger pace than what we had, but she's progressing very well.

"Throughout the summer she started growing and we've just needed to give her some time, but we'll talk to her owner Sheikh Khalid and see about the Winter Derby next."

The Group 3 could see the four-year-old pitched against last year's King George star Pyledriver, who will use the race as a prep for a trip to Dubai.

"We'll be running against Pyledriver and Lord North so it'll be like the King George all over," Crisford said.

"She'll get an entry tomorrow for the Dubai Turf too. You never know, she's improving quickly and is supremely well bred. She deserves her place in a good stakes race."

Loughnane strikes again

Billy Loughnane continued his incredible run of form this month after 16-1 shot Embour claimed the 5f handicap.

The 16-year-old jockey rode out his 7lb claim on Friday with his 14th winner of the month and was quick to add to the tally thanks to a first team-up with Ruth Carr.

Billy Loughnane: scored at 16-1 on EmbourCredit: Edward Whitaker

With that 7lb allowance going in just four months, Loughnane will head out to Florida for a month riding trackwork before a return to Britain in mid-March.

"It's amazing and wasn't the plan originally, things have just taken off," he said. "When I first started riding I thought we'd look for ten winners on the all-weather in total, but it's just rocketed."

Gunning for success

Another fledgling jockey enjoying success was Molly Gunn, who was signing autographs for the first time after snatching victory on Beau Geste in the classified stakes.

It was just a second career win for the 7lb claimer and the first in a year and a half for the 9-1 shot, who won by a short head from Divine Messenger.

Gunn said: "I didn't want to be too sure at the photo-finish but I was quietly confident. He's not long come back from a nice holiday so he's feeling really fresh and well, and at seven he's still going strong."

The win was also Gunn's first for new boss Tony Carroll, who joined the chorus of racegoers reminding the ecstatic 23-year-old to weigh in after the success.

"Isn't it lovely?" Carroll said. "She's been with me about three months – clearly she doesn't take long to get going."

Molly Gunn wins for new boss Tony Carroll on Beau GesteCredit: Mark Cranham

First for Emperor

There was unexpected joy for the owners of First Emperor in the opening 2m handicap after the 28-1 shot broke his maiden at the tenth attempt.

The four-year-old colt is out of 1,000 Guineas winner Sky Lantern and struck on his second start since moving from Donnacha O'Brien's yard to win under Luke Morris.

"We haven't had him that long," said winning trainer John Ryan. "I think he's still got a little bit more improvement and we've got something to play with. I'd say he'd be a better horse on the turf."

Moore return

Ryan Moore made a winning return to Britain after he scored on the George Boughey-trained debutant All The King's Men.

It was the first success of 2023 for the jockey following a successful winter abroad that included victory in the Japan Cup and Hong Kong Sprint.

Results, replays and analysis

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