Anapurna bolts up at Lingfield to strengthen Gosden's Oaks hand
She may have worn a hood in the paddock but there was nothing sleepy about Anapurna during the Lingfield Oaks Trial as she advertised her Classic claims in impressive fashion.
Frankie Dettori was in pole position the whole way round on the daughter of Frankel, who had been earmarked for the race since breaking her maiden on the neighbouring all-weather track in January.
Sitting on the shoulder of the Mark Johnston-trained front-runner Cape Islay, the 7-4 favourite was set alight on the home turn by Dettori and galloped her rivals into submission to win by six lengths from fellow Newmarket runner Tauteke.
The winner was cut to 10-1 for the Investec Oaks and could join Cheshire Oaks-winning stablemate Mehdaayih at Epsom on May 31. The triumph gave Dettori his second win in the race and trainer John Gosden his third.
Oaks Trial result and race replay
Gosden said: "We've planned to come here ever since she won her maiden in January and she did that very nicely. She's not been on grass this year at home, so this was a new experience for her and after running a little green early she finished off her race very well. We'll see how she comes out of this in the next ten days but I would say the Oaks is a strong possibility."
Victory continued the good run of owners Helena Springfield Limited who were on the mark the previous evening with the equally promising Twist 'N' Shake at Nottingham and have a big week ahead.
The last filly to win this race and follow up at Epsom was Ramruma 20 years ago, but Look Here, second in 2008, went on to win at Epsom.
Roger Varian, trainer of this year's runner-up Tauteke, said: "She ran a nice race but didn't quicken as well as the winner. Whether she's an Oaks filly I don't know, but she could be one for the Ribblesdale."
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Published on 11 May 2019inReports
Last updated 16:59, 11 May 2019
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