2013 Investec Oaks Betting Preview Part 1

In contrast to the 2013 Investec Derby, the Oaks looks to be a much more wide open affair without a prohibitive favourite dominating the market in advance of the contest. Expect a lot of interesting market moves as we get closer to the off on Friday. There is a lot to like about the race and there are a lot of extremely formful fillies taking part in the contest. 

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As it currently stands, Secret Gesture reigns supreme as the 9/4 favourite - a joint partnership between Qatar Racing and Newsells Park Stud. Bred at Newsells and trained by Ralph Beckett, the Galileo filly has only captured a listed contest so far but looked very good doing so at Lingfield back at the earlier part of the month. 

A ten length score showed that she has a lot more to flash against higher quality opposition and many are expecting her to move forward off that race, considering it was her seasonal debut. She responded instantly to Jim Crowley’s commands after looking impressive throughout much of the race, traveling well in mid-pack. About two furlongs from the finish she started her move and then demonstrated an excellent turn of foot to plow home by a big margin late on. That race itself was nearly 1m4f so there are absolutely no qualms about her getting the distance. 

The only real question is whether she can match wits with some of the more accomplished fillies in the race who have been tested against more impressive company. The majority of the horses in that listed contest were still maiden runners so she has only beaten winners of a maiden race here or there. She will need to move onwards from that but looks to be a solid selection on the day.