Oaks tips: Key trends and stats for Epsom 4.30 on Friday

We travel back in time for some clues...

Running Lion wins at Newmarket

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

The third Classic of the British Flat season is the highlight on day one of the Derby Festival at Epsom.

A fabulous field of 11 fillies are set to take their chance in the Oaks and a couple of leading contenders – Savethelastdance and Soul Sister – emerged as the leading players from the trials.

Recent renewals of the race have thrown up a number of trends and statistics that could help point us in the direction of this year’s winner.

The latest Oaks odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise key trends for the Epsom Classic can be found below.

Days Off

The last 12 winners of the Oaks had previously raced within 33 days of scoring at Epsom so you can put a line through Maman Joon, who last appeared on track six weeks ago.

Last Time Out

Six of the last 12 winners were successful on their last run so scoring before heading to Epsom is not the greatest indicator, although 10 were at least placed which helps remove the likes of Bright Diamond, Caernarfon, Heartache Tonight and Sea Of Roses from the equation.

Odds

The Oaks has not been kind to favourite backers over the years as two of the last 12 market or co-market leaders have obliged.

Only six winners in that period could be found in the top three in the betting – although half of those have come in the last three renewals, which suggests this is becoming a weak trend.

Ratings

As eight of the last 12 winners have been rated 102 or higher, there are question marks lingering over six of the runners – Be Happy, Bright Diamond, Caernarfon, Maman Joon, Red Riding Hood and Sea Of Roses.

Trial

The Pretty Polly looks like the Oaks trial to follow in recent years as two of the last 12 winners took in the contest before Epsom and both were successful at Newmarket.

Verdict

The trends indicate that there is little to split the top four in Paddy Power’s betting for the Oaks – Savethelastdance, Soul Sister, Running Lion and Eternal Hope – despite the market not necessarily being the greatest pointer over the years.

The previous strength of the Pretty Polly as a trial for the Oaks indicates that Running Lion is worth taking a chance.

Epsom Tips

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