Epsom Oaks 2018: Charlie Appleby thrilled with favourite Wild Illusion ahead of Oaks bid

CHARLIE APPLEBY reports Wild Illusion to be in top form ahead of her crack at the Investec Oaks on Friday.

The Godolphin filly looks set to relish ground conditions and the extra trip after her staying-on fourth in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

Appleby said: "She's going in the race off the back of a good trial in the 1000 Guineas. We always felt and hoped that stepping up in trip would be her forte.

"With the conditions likely to be testing she has proven Group 1 form on soft ground. She ticks a lot of the boxes.

"At the end of the day, it is the Oaks so you have to respect every runner and you have to handle the track, but I couldn't be happier with her.

"She is a very straightforward filly - ever since day one. She has raced close to the pace in the past because we always felt she just wants a trip."

Clive Cox is chasing his elusive first Classic triumph and in Perfect Clarity he has plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

She impressed when maintaining her unbeaten record by taking the Lingfield Oaks Trial.

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Cox told At The Races: "I'm delighted with the way she's growing up and maturing. She's a lovely filly and I'm looking forward to running her.

"She's the best middle-distance horse I think we've had the pleasure of having. She's got a change of gear, she stays and she's done everything right so far."

William Haggas is another trainer who feels the soft ground will play to the strengths of his runner, Give And Take.

She booked her ticket to Epsom with victory in the Musidora Stakes at York.

Haggas said: "I think she's come forward for her win at York. She looks great and is in really good shape.

"Her problem is she has quite a lot to find but a nine-runner field is good for us.

"Whether she is quite good enough, we will see, but soft ground won't hinder her at all."