OAKS – Winner Snowfall Owner: Smith, Magnier & Tabor Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Frankie Dettori Odds: 11/2
A modest 2yo by Ballydoyle standards, SNOWFALL is making an early claim to be racehorse of 2021 after an extraordinary 16l demolition job of the Oaks field. An all the way winner of the Musidora at York, Frankie Dettori adopted the perfect Epsom position just off the lead, and once he pressed the button in the straight the race was done.
She really seems to have grown into her frame this year, leaving last year’s form behind and given all the allowances for age and gender she will receive, the Arc looks the obvious target for later in the year.
In truth she probably did not beat a great deal and the second home MYSTERY ANGEL was tasting defeat for the ninth time. She is a wonderfully tough and consistent mare though and did win a listed race at Newmarket in the spring. It is difficult though to see her being able to win at the highest level. That she kept on well from the front though does indicate that those saying they went too fast in front were mistaken.
DIVINELY had it all to do from the back of the field turning for home but ran on well to the line. She looks a real stayer and could be a Leger type in time. She probably lacks the gears and scope for a Group 1 at 12f.
SANTA BARBARA was another to be given a lot to do, although I am not sure Ryan Moore could do much about it. A real talking horse at home, she has not quite delivered on the track yet, but you can be sure connections will be leaving no stone unturned to get her to bring home a major prize at some point. I am sure there is more to come, whether that be in the autumn, or even 2022.
Of the others ZEYAADAH was a major disappointment but the rain was of no help to her. TEONA still runs on her nerves somewhat and she will only deliver her potential once learning to settle. SAFFRON BEACH ran a game race without threatening, but she will be dropped back in trip now.
