The Oaks

Saturday's Epsom Oaks looks as if it should develop into a battle between the principals in the betting. John Dunlop's Bulaxie has been strongly supported and was an impressive winner of her sole outing this year. However, Bonash has an unblemished record and has had the fillies' classic on her agenda since last autumn. Trainer Andre Fabre scored last year and can triumph again with Bonash.

It is worth noting that Munnaya is probably going to take her chance. She performed well in the Lingfield Oaks trial and can represent the best each way value.

The Coronation Cup has been switched to Friday this year. Here Royal Ballerina caught the eye at the last, rain-soaked Lingfield meeting where she won with contemptuous ease. She may not have beaten much that day. But there has been no more facile winner all season. Royal Ballerina is reported to have been working exceptionally well. She will prefer the better ground and looks a sound investment.

The Royal Ascot meeting starts on 14 June. And this week's Whitsun fixture at Sandown offered a potentially significant clue to the Gold Cup. Michael Stoute's Zinaad has been consistent in top class races over recent seasons. During the past 12 months Stoute has been trying the five-year-old over a distance of ground. Any doubts as to whether he truly gets a couple of miles were dispelled on Monday when Zinaad ran on strongly to finish second to the heavily-backed My Patriarch. He was giving the winner 8lbs. So Zinaad may gain revenge if he tries for the Gold Cup.