'I was really taken by that' - Epsom next for O'Brien's Savethelastdance after stunning 22-length triumph

A true champion bounces back when things do not go to plan and Aidan O’Brien did just that when Savethelastdance stormed to a wide-margin victory in the Cheshire Oaks, prompting bookmakers to cut her to 13-8 for next month's Betfred Oaks.

The Ballydoyle maestro had a surprisingly quiet Guineas weekend at Newmarket but now has a serious Classic contender after the daughter of Galileo cruised to a 22-length success under Ryan Moore for a record eighth win in the race for O'Brien.

When asked if Epsom would be her next assignment, O’Brien said: “That’s the plan. We were delighted with her and obviously delighted after her Leopardstown maiden too. It’s unusual to win that far, but she’s very well bred and I think it was soft enough for her because she’s a good-moving filly.”

Savethelastdance (C, dark blue) took control of the race when turning for homeCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Coolmore’s Paul Smith believes the three-year-old will improve if she gets quicker ground. He said: “She bounced out of her last race in Ireland very well and we know she handles the dig in the ground, so we knew that wouldn’t be a problem. However, I think she’d be better on better ground but she’s classy enough to get through it. I do look forward to seeing her on decent ground.

“She did it well and I was really taken by that. I was delighted to hear that Ryan was impressed. Visually it always looks good but it’s better to hear positivity from the jockey. Ryan couldn’t have been happier. He said she ran through the line very well and when he asked her, she showed a lot of commitment and desire, which are good qualities.”

Following a disappointing weekend with Auguste Rodin, Little Big Bear and Meditate, Smith was happy to see a Ballydoyle runner back in the winner's enclosure. He added: “It was a tricky weekend and we had a few hopes, but it didn’t work out for us. It’s always nice to come back and that’s just the nature of the game.”

Ryan Moore: all smiles after victory on Savethelastdance at ChesterCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Moore, who teamed up with O’Brien for a fifth victory in the race since 2015, said: “I was very impressed, you can only be impressed by what she’s done there. They kind of all gave up with half a mile to go and she was just getting going, but she gave me a very good feel – she’s probably given me as good a feel in this race as the ones I’ve ridden before.

“She stepped a little slow, but they went very hard early on and she just relaxed and followed them round. I thought I’d just make sure she knew what she had to do and she stretched all the way to the line.”

There's The Door got closest of the chasing pack, finishing just over three lengths clear of 25-1 shot Ermesinde.

Betfred Oaks (4.30 Epsom, Friday June 2)

Betfred: 13-8 Savethelastdance, 7 Infinite Cosmos, 8 Never Ending Story, 10 Running Lion, 12 Bluestocking, 14 Azazat, 16 Mawj, Electric Eyes

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