The Oaks Runners 2023: 11 declared for Betfred Oaks on Friday

Owen McMahon

May 31

It's all about the Betfred Oaks at Epsom on Friday afternoon (16:30) as 11 fillies bid to win the third Classic of the Flat season.

Here's a rundown of all the confirmed runners and riders, plus their odds at time of publication, for the big race.

Bet on The Oaks with Betfred here

1. Be Happy (Aidan O'Brien/Seamie Heffernan) - 33/1

One of three for Aidan O'Brien, who has won The Oaks a whopping 10 times. Beaten comfortably enough by Eternal Hope in an Oaks trial at Lingfield last month, this daughter of Camelot has a bit to do on form and I'd imagine connections will be happy if she can make the frame.

2. Bright Diamond (Karl Burke/Clifford Lee) - 40/1

Karl Burke's only runner who would have to improve substantially to win this. Behind both Be Happy and Eternal Hope in that same Lingfield trial, she'd also do well to finish in the places.

3. Caernarfon (Jack Channon/Connor Beasley) - 33/1

Albeit beaten by over 10L, she ran above market expectation to finish fourth in what's looking like a strong renewal of the 1000 Guineas. Yet to race over further than a mile, this 1m4f trip is a big unknown. One for the each-way punters.

4. Eternal Hope (Charlie Appleby/William Buick) - 10/1

An unexposed Trial winner who's the sole hope for one of the most lethal combinations in Flat racing over the last few years. She'll need to improve a bit to win this, but that wouldn't be a big surprise. Dangerous.

5. Heartache Tonight (David Menuisier/Cristian Demuro) - 20/1

Bringing French form to the table, she's a fascinating contender. That form isn't standing out, though, and connections were worried about quick ground earlier this week which isn't ideal. Probably one of the hardest to weigh up.

6. Maman Joon (Richard Hannon/Kevin Stott) - 40/1

Famous last words, but Maman Joon would be the most shocking winner in my book. She's had just one run so far and was beaten out of sight by a horse who was subsequently trounced by Soul Sister. The most unexposed horse in the field, but frankly it's hard to make claims for her even making the frame.

7. Red Riding Hood (Aidan O'Brien/Wayne Lordan) - 33/1

A very interesting runner for Ballydoyle. Stepped up to place in a decent Group 3 contest at Naas a few weeks ago and shapes like the step up in trip will suit. It wouldn't be a big surprise to me if she ran into a place.

8. Running Lion (John & Thady Gosden/Oisin Murphy) - 6/1

Team Gosden's second string, but strong claims nonetheless. Improving with every run and was impressive when taking a Listed race at Newmarket last time out. Oisin Murphy, who has already tasted Classic success this season, in the plate is no negative. Player.

9. Savethelastdance (Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore) - 6/5

Probably the most fascinating runner after absolutely bolting up by 22L in the Cheshire Oaks the other week. Question marks surround that form and how she'll cope with the forecast conditions, but she clearly has huge potential. Obvious chance.

10. Sea Of Roses (Andrew Balding/Rob Hornby) - 50/1

At time of writing, the rank outsider in the field - presumably as she's already been well-beaten by second-favourite Soul Sister. She's the only runner for a top yard but is ultimately hard to advise.

11. Soul Sister (John & Thady Gosden/Frankie Dettori) - 5/2

John & Thady Gosden's main hope who arguably brings the best form to the table courtesy of her strong-finishing triumph in the G3 Musidora Stakes at York just over two weeks ago. Should relish the step up in trip. Huge chance.

Horse Racing Odds