'We'll probably roll the dice' - Ed Walker looking to the Oaks for 25-1 shot Qilin Queen

Ed Walker said he was inclined "to roll the dice" at Epsom after Qilin Queen entered the reckoning for the Betfred Oaks after victory in the Childwickbury Stud Fillies' Trial Stakes.

Walker was crestfallen when Qilin Queen finished third in the Pretty Polly Stakes on her previous start, but she showed all the right qualities this time to fend off Revoir by a short-head. 

"I was really disappointed at Newmarket," said Walker. "We wanted to roll forward but Falakeyah was just too quick for us and she didn't come down the Dip too well either. I told Hollie Doyle to be bold today because she keeps galloping, and she nailed it."

The winner was halved in price to 25-1 with Paddy Power for the Oaks and a trip to Epsom on June 6 beckons.   

"She wasn't very good in the prelims before her last run but she was much better today," said Walker. "She was still a bit buzzy but that's just her and not something I'd worry about. If all is well we'll probably roll the dice at Epsom. She's very game, athletic and will stay well."

Eydon project

There was an air of relief in the winner's enclosure after Eydon won for the first time in more than three years when causing a 16-1 upset in the Group 3 Sky Sports Racing Aston Park Stakes.

Making only his sixth start since finishing fourth in the 2,000 Guineas in 2022, Eydon has had his fair share of setbacks, said winning trainer Andrew Balding, but he looked immaculate before and after his one-and-a-quarter-length win. 

Eydon: wins the Aston Park Stakes under Oisin Murphy Credit: Edward Whitaker

"This horse has been a real project," said Balding. "He's had so many issues at home since we've had him and it was obviously the same for Roger Varian before that. He's a very talented horse but this the first time we've had a six-week spell without any problems. 

"We were keen to get him back on a sounder surface and you've seen the best of him today."

Providing Eydon continues to blossom, a step into Group 1 company could come next. 

"I haven't spoken to Prince Faisal yet, so I don't want to jump the gun, but I thought something like the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud could work for him," said the Classic-winning trainer. "He's high class and it would be lovely to give him a go at the top level again."

Symbol Of Honour conundrum 

Charlie Appleby is usually a man with a plan, but the Godolphin trainer was left scratching his head as to what might come next for Symbol Of Honour, who showed a potent turn of foot to beat favourite Ides Of March in the Listed Highclere Castle Gin Carnarvon Stakes.

The Commonwealth Cup would have been an obvious target, but being a gelding denies Symbol Of Honour the chance to run in the Royal Ascot Group 1, leaving plans in flux.

Symbol Of Honour dashes away with the Carnarvon StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Dropping back to six furlongs has been the making of him," said Appleby. "Physically and mentally, he's doing well, but where we go now I'm not sure. He's not a horse for the Jersey Stakes [over seven furlongs] because I don't think he saw that trip out last time. He's a strong traveller and it's good to get him back on track." 

Varian's Ascot aim

Roger Varian is eyeing a possible tilt at the Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot for Saddadd after the lightly raced three-year-old continued his improvement in the London Gold Cup Handicap.

Varian last won the Newbury race with subsequent Group 1 winner Defoe in 2017 and the Newmarket trainer is confident the best is still to come from his latest winner.  

Saddadd toughs it out at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He's a very laid-back horse with a big heart," said Varian. "I think he'll keep improving but I do think he'll appreciate a bit more give in the ground when it comes. He's shown a lot of grit today."

On a potential step into Group 3 company at next month's royal meeting, Varian added: "This race has a great history of producing Pattern performers and he might deserve a crack at something like the Hampton Court."

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