Dettori blames the track as Frankly Darling hangs away her chance

Frankie Dettori blamed the sloping camber of Epsom for the defeat of Frankly Darling in the Oaks, the Ribblesdale Stakes winner and second favourite finishing third at 7-4 after never looking comfortable in the home straight.

Fears Frankly Darling would not settle in the early stages were partly offset by the early fractions set by stablemate Tiempo Vuela, and Dettori sat poised behind Ryan Moore on the winner Love as they exited Tattenham Corner.

But that was as good as it got for Frankly Darling, who stayed on without ever seriously threatening the winner.

"The track was not for her," concluded Dettori. "She just started hanging and all sorts."

There may have been the briefest of moments when Seamie Heffernan thought he might win the race, although in his heart of hearts he probably knew that, even as his mount Ennistymon hit the front, stablemate Love was poised to sweep by.

While the winner was away and gone in the blink of an eye, Ennistymon stayed on to great effect to finish second and was able to reverse Ribblesdale form with Frankly Darling.

Watch a replay of the Oaks

Oaks report: All you need is Love - O'Brien ace rampant

Trainer Aidan O'Brien said: "Ennistymon ran a very good race. The Ascot form stood up very well. We felt after Ascot that we would be happy to take on the winner again.

"It worked out how we thought it might. She was back a bit at Ascot and Frankly Darling got an easier time out in front and that changed today.

"We were delighted with her performance today and the quick pace suited. She is a very nice filly for Mrs [Evie] Stockwell."

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