Brilliant Lush Lashes steers clear of Oaks
Jim Bolger looks like turning down the chance to saddle the favourite for both the Derby and the Oaks. The trainer was already plotting a path to the Irish Derby with New Approach. Now yesterday's five-length Musidora Stakes winner Lush Lashes is likely to go for the Irish Oaks despite major bookmakers cutting her to Oaks clear favourite at a best-priced 5-2 after her York win.
With Dermot Weld also likely to steer his big two hopes, Casual Conquest and Chinese White, away from Epsom, its prestige races face a talent drain.
Irish targets: Bolger
So the Derby, still without a permanent sponsor, desperately needs an impressive display from Henry Cecil's ante-post favourite Twice Over in today's Dante Stakes.
John Gosden, who runs Centennial in the Group Two race, could still send battered Musidora third Dar Re Mi to Epsom if Lush Lashes is absent.
She was barged by Johnny Murtagh on Moonstone early in the straight and Gosden said: "It was stupid ramming into something from behind. She has got cuts on her hind legs. They might think it's smart but it's rough."
