Epsom Oaks Tips: Madame Defarge

The Epsom Oaks (4.00) is a treacherous race to solve. Only three horses have an official rating above 100, which either means the rest of the field are mere handicappers or we are yet to see their best. Usually there is a bit of both.

The good news is that if you spot the big improver you will be rewarded with a big price. In that category the horse that catches my eye is Madame Defarge.

Although she is rated 90, this will only be her third start. She won a good maiden at Yarmouth on her debut, with recent Listed winner Elik, 2.5 lengths behind in third place. The ground was heavy that day and with the official going at Epsom ‘good to soft, soft in places’ her ability to handle some cut is a positive.

In her one run so far this season, she finished a good third at Newmarket. She was hampered in the final furlong and looked a bit green, therefore her performance deserves upgrading.

On Michael Bell’s website, jockey Hayley Turner selected Madame Defarge as one of her ‘six to follow.’ Considering she has ridden stable companion The Lark three times, it’s a relative vote of confidence.

With recent Oaks winners returning at big prices, the 28/1 (BetVictor) on Madame Defarge looks a fair each way bet with ¼ odds for a top-3 finish.