May Festival: Somehow set to sizzle in Cheshire Oaks
David Metcalf | May 4, 2016
Somehow a solid bet in Cheshire Oaks
Somehow looks a worthy red-hot favourite to provide leading flat Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien with another success in the Cheshire Oaks on the opening day of Chester’s May Festival (14:40).
The Ballydoyle handler has won the Listed contest four times in the past eight years, and in Somehow has a lightly raced filly who looks to have a bright future.
After shaping with bags of promise when third on her sole start as a juvenile, the daughter of Fastnet Rock created a good impression when making a winning return to action in a 1m 2f contest at Leopardstown last month.
Pleasing performance full of promise
Somehow travelled well on the heels of the leaders and, after being produced to take up the running 1 1/2 furlongs from home, kept on strongly to beat Shamreen by 1 3/4 lengths without being unduly knocked about.
The runner-up has since come out and scored, and the front two pulled 4 1/2 lengths clear of the field to give the form a strong look.
It was a most taking performance, and one which suggested Somehow needed keeping firmly onside.
The three-year-old, who is currently a 16/1 shot with Coral for the Oaks at Epsom, will also appreciate the step up to 1m 3f and with Ryan Moore in the saddle can take this en route to better things.
Diamonds Pour Moi a big player
Diamonds Pour Moi won her sole start as a juvenile in good style and could well prove the main danger to Somehow.
The daughter of Derby winner Pour Moi took up the running after two furlongs and kept on nicely to beat Mytimehascome by a cosy length in a 12-runner maiden at Kempton.
Although that form doesn’t amount to much, the manner of the success suggested that Diamonds Pour Moi had a big engine and should have plenty more to offer as a three-year-old.
Her trainer, Ralph Beckett, also has a very good record with fillies. The fact that he is pitching Diamonds Pour Moi into Listed company on the back of a win in what was a weak looking maiden suggests that she is held in high regard and has been showing plenty at home.
Related
You’ll find more tips and race previews from Chester’s May Festival on our horse racing section.
Coral’s top tip: Trainer Aidan O’Brien has an excellent record in the Cheshire Oaks and Somehow rates a solid bet to enhance it. The unexposed Diamonds Pour Moi can chase her home.
