Stick Together to solve Oaks riddle at Epsom

O’brien’s filly showed enough in Chester run to look pick of the bunch

FOREVER TOGETHER can lose her maiden tag in the best way possible by winning the Investec Oaks at Epsom.

She looked a filly very much on the improve when staying on for second place behind her Aidan O’brien stablemate Magic Wand in the Cheshire Oaks on the Roodee.

That was only her third career start and her first since October but she gave the impression she would come on in leaps and bounds for that run.

Her inexperience showed throughout the race in different ways and once the penny started to drop she was stopped in her tracks a couple of times and lugged to the left.

Yet she stayed on nicely with Donnacha O’brien being sympathetic in the saddle as she grabbed the runner-up spot in the last 100 yards.

Forever Together would have learned plenty for that and is sure to have progressed.

Stamina is assured judged on that effort and she looks the pick of the O’brien pack.

As for the places, Godolphin’s Wild Illusion looks the main danger. Fourth in the 1000 Guineas, she will relish the step up to a mile and a half. William Haggas’s Give And Take won the Musidora at York and that gives her each-way claims.

CRACKSMAN was the best horse to come out of last year’s Derby and he can prove the point in the Investec Coronation Cup.

John Gosden’s colt was far from the finished article when a close third to Wings Of Eagles in the premier Classic but subsequent events showed the race came too soon in his career.

However, he made up for lost time, ending 2017 with a convincing victory in the Champion Stakes and started 2018 off in fine style in the Prix Ganay at Longchamp.

Gosden can also strike with KINGS SHIELD, who drops back in grade and distance in the Investec Surrey Stakes after a creditable effort in the French 2000 Guineas.

He did not get the run of the race when sixth to Olmedo yet was only beaten three and a quarter lengths. He can gain compensation in this event. SELECTIONS

CATTERICK: 1.50 Akela Moon, 2.25 Royal Flag, 3.00 Donny Belle, 3.35 Elgin, 4.10 Lady In Question, 4.55 Lucky Beggar, 5.30 Mitchum, 6.05 Glyder.

EPSOM: 2.00 Cosmic Law, 2.35 King’s Pavilion, 3.10 Cracksman, 3.45 Ajman King, 4.30 FOREVER TOGETHER (NAP), 5.15 Kings Shield, 5.50 Juanito Chico.

DOUBLE: Forever Together and Kings Shield.