Investec Oaks 2017 – Andrew Balding’s Oaks hope Horseplay in great form ahead of Epsom this Friday
Balding's filly put herself in the frame for the Oaks when winning the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket and she has been pleasing Balding ever since that win
Balding's filly put herself into Classic contention when winning the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket's Guineas meeting.
Balding said: "I'm very happy with Horseplay.
"She looked around a little bit, but she picked up well and Oisin was happy with her.
"We didn't want to overdo it as were not that far away from the race.
"Elbereth, the lead-horse, is no slough and has entries in the Coronation Cup and Princess Elizabeth Stakes.
"She is in the form of her life having finished a good second in the Dahlia, having made the running."
MOST READ
Horseplay was the only Oaks contender to work at Epsom, but trainer John Gosden was at the track and confirmed he will be double-handed in the 12-furlong Classic.
Gosden plans to run Enable and Coronet as his Musidora Stakes winner Shutter Speed will be heading to the Prix de Diane in France next month.
Enable won the Cheshire Oaks at Chester, while Coronet was last seen finishing third at Deauville earlier this month.
Gosden said: "Enable and Coronet are both looking like they are going to run at Epsom.
"I have been happy with Enable since Chester, she put in a fine performance there and handled the track well.
"Coronet was slowly away in the Saint-Alary, but she finished very strongly to grab third on the line."
Alluringly was a length and three-quarters behind Enable at Chester and she is set to be one of two runners for O'Brien along with 1,000 Guineas second Rhododendron.
The Ballydoyle handler said: "The plan is to go there with Rhododendron and Alluringly."
