Godolphin expect Blue Bunting to improve considerably for the step up to a mile and a half (2400m) in the Oaks next week.
The daughter of Dynaformer was second on her debut to the top-class Theyskens’ Theory but was won all her other three races, including the 1000 Guineas first time out this season.
She was viewed as an Oaks prospect all through the winter and only ran in the Newmarket Classic when White Moonstone, under the same ownership, was ruled out.
“Ever since she won a Listed race at Newmarket last year, we always thought the Oaks would be her race,” Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said of the Mahmood Al Zarooni-trained filly.
“In the build-up to the Guineas, because the race looked so open, we decided to let her take her chance.
“We definitely thought the mile (1600m) would be a bit short for her – she is bred to get much further and has always looked like she wants a mile and a half.
“Winning the Guineas was a fantastic bonus but we’ve always believed the Oaks was her best Classic chance.
“She’s done extremely well since the Guineas. She has gained a little weight, she looks fantastic and her work has been very nice so, fingers crossed, everything looks positive.”
There may be a second-string to the Oaks team as UAE Oaks and Derby winner Khawlah remains a possible, although Royal Ascot is her more likely destination.
“Khawlah had to do a 30-day quarantine after the World Cup night, so she was a little bit behind schedule and I think almost certainly she’ll wait for the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot,” Crisford said.
Jessica Harrington has one of the more unexposed contenders in the shape of Siren’s Song.
Second on her debut at Leopardstown, she won a Listed race at her next start at Navan.
“I’m very happy with her. She wasn’t even in training with me last year, she joined me in January, but she’s a very easy filly to train,” Harrington said.
“She ran very well at Leopardstown and went on well at Navan.
“I know she has had only two runs and the inexperience might get to her at Epsom, but we hope she’ll be all right.
“All the horses going there are very good, a lot of it is on the day, and what goes the best and acts on the course.”
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