'She's in a good place' - Adam Kirby delighted with Oaks hope Saffron Beach

Adam Kirby reported Saffron Beach to be in excellent shape after riding the daughter of New Bay in work on the Limekilns before her bid for the Cazoo Oaks at Epsom on Friday.

Kirby has been aboard Saffron Beach in each of her four starts to date, including when the pair were touched off by Mother Earth in the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket last time.

Trained by Jane Chapple-Hyam, Saffron Beach is a general 10-1 chance for Oaks and will take a significant step up in trip at Epsom having never previously run over further than a mile.

Saffron Beach and Adam Kirby on their way to work on the Limekilns gallops at Newmarket in preparation for Friday's OaksCredit: David Milnes

Kirby said: "Saffron Beach is in a good place and worked nicely this morning, settling in well in behind. She'll travel round Epsom well.

"She's crying out for a mile and a quarter but beyond that is an unknown. We're not the only one in that boat in the Oaks and they either get the trip or they don't, but I'm hopeful she'll stay."

The trainer's assistant Abi Harrison is Saffron Beach's regular rider and has experience in preparing top-class fillies for the rigours of Epsom.

John Leeper: general 8-1 chance for the Cazoo DerbyCredit: Hugh Routledge

Harrison said: "I used to ride Ramruma [Oaks winner in 1999] at Sir Henry Cecil's yard and this filly gives me much the same feel.

"She has the same demeanour and relaxes beautifully in behind. I don't know what the orders will be at Epsom but I would imagine she'll be dropped in."

It is a big weekend for Kirby, who rides general 8-1 chance John Leeper in the Cazoo Derby.

He said: "John Leeper felt in real good shape the last time I rode him at Epsom and I'm looking forward to it. It would be nice to win the Derby as it's the ultimate race but I'm going to Epsom with two nice rides and hopefully they both can run well."

Read more on the Epsom Classics . . .

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William Haggas: I couldn't give a stuff if it was a poor Derby – you try winning it (Members' Club)

'Let's go and do our best' – Saffron Beach confirmed for Oaks bid

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