Sunspangled to outstay field

Shahtoush sprang a 12 to 1 surprise for Aidan O'Brien and Michael Kinane in the 1998 Epsom Oaks, and Sunspangled is selected to provide a loud and successful echo of that in today's £300,000 classic.

Twelve months ago, there was an intense focus on O'Brien's Derby runners, so much so that Shahtoush seemed to sneak up on everybody, including Frankie Dettori on the runner-up.

This time round, the focus is again on the Derby and O'Brien's dilemma in whether or not to risk Saffron Walden on soft ground. Important stuff to be sure, but this afternoon's race looks a Group One classic just waiting to be picked up.

Dettori is yet again on a fancied opponent, this time the Musidora winner, Zahrat Dubai. The Godolphin filly looked brilliant at York but the form has been let down and Zahrat Dubai must be a doubtful stayer, especially on rain-softened ground.

The uncertainty in the Godolphin camp can be gauged by Zahrat Dubai's stable companion Kilting beating her in a well publicised piece of work, and Gary Stevens's mount is no certain stayer either.

The other two major English fancies look opposable too. The Lupe and Masaka winner, Claxon, is a lovely type of filly but she was unchallenged for the lead in both those races and did hang at Goodwood. Ramruma was the subject of mixed reviews for her Lingfield Trial success, and while she did keep pulling it out for Kieren Fallon, Ramruma did have to be niggled almost throughout.

France is represented by the Fabre-trained, Peslier-ridden Sunday Picnic and has to be respected; while Noushkey may surprise a few. However, a mile and a half on ground with a cut is just what Sunspangled and her stablemate, Crystal Downs, seem to have been crying out for.

"It's a big step up and there is little between them but I've always thought they will stay further," O'Brien said yesterday.

"Sunspangled got a mile well on an ease last year and she has been racing like she needs a trip. I thought she ran a big race in the Irish Guineas off a slow pace. Crystal Downs got a mile on the soft in France last year and, being by Alleged, you would think she will appreciate further. They are both very well," he added.

It would be unwise to disregard Crystal Downs and sub rider Cash Asmussen, but Kinane has chosen Sunspangled, and as a Group One two-year-old winner with a stayer's pedigree, she looks to have that touch of quality. Against some doubtful stayers and at a 12 to 1 price, that looks a tempting proposition.

The Coronation Cup is a marvellous race in its own right. Only one of the seven runners, Fruits Of Love, has yet to win a Group One prize and he cannot be discounted because of that.

Royal Anthem has been on many shortlists as a potential four-year-old champion, but this is his first start of the season, he is not certain to appreciate give in the ground and his size and shape seemed to be against him in the confines of Churchill Downs last November. What he will make of Epsom remains to be seen.

Silver Patriarch makes it hard for himself but gets the job done and Daylami should have come on for his Curragh run. However, last year's French and Irish Derby hero, Dream Well, is the selection.