30 May 2011

Bunting strongly fancied for more QIPCO British Champions Series glory

Frankie’s trademark dismount after his victory on Blue Bunting in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas.  Image courtesy of racingfotos.com.

Blue Bunting, who came with a powerful late run to capture the QIPCO 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on 1 May, the first race in the Fillies & Mares category of the QIPCO British Champions Series, is a warm favourite to take the Investec Oaks at Epsom on Friday.

Owned by Godolphin and the mount of Frankie Dettori, she will be looking to follow in the same footsteps as Kazzia, who won both races for the same combination in 2002.

"We’re very hopeful for the Oaks," said Godolphin’s racing manager, Simon Crisford, today.

"She hasn’t done a great deal (since Newmarket) but she is very fit and her work has been very nice indeed."

She will have a half mile further to travel in the 1½ mile contest compared to the Newmarket race which is likely to bring out even more improvement in the top class filly, who is bred to be suited by the longer distance.

Leading the competition is Wonder Of Wonders, trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, while the Mick Channon-trained Zain Al Boldan, a very impressive winner of her most recent race, could also have a big say.

To visit the race page and see the best odds available on the race thanks to Oddschecker, click here.