31st-May-2024

I am backing Ezeliya in the Oaks.  Dermot Weld’s filly was good in beating Wendla to win her maiden at the end of last season, and Wendla won the Guineas Trial at Leopardstown three weeks ago.

Ezeliya has run just once this season, she stayed on strongly to win the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes over 10 furlongs at Navan in April, keeping on well to get the better of the high-class Purple Lily.  That was at a time in the season at which the Dermot Weld horses were just starting to get going, the trainer had just had his first winner of the season the previous day.  Ezeliya should improve for that run, her seasonal debut and just her third run ever.

From the family of Gold Cup winners Estimate and Enzeli, the Dubawi filly should improve for the step up to a mile and a half today.  She has a nice draw in stall five, and she could run a big race.

EZELIYA WON (ADV 6/1, SP 13/2)