Snowfall and Dettori decimate Cazoo Oaks field

Snowfall and Frankie Dettori produced a devastating display to claim the Cazoo Oaks by an incredible 16 lengths. There were no rivals in the picture and the Aidan O’Brien filly cruised home, eased down, in the hands of the evergreen Dettori.

It sealed a 40th British Classic for master trainer O’Brien, equalling the all-time record held by trainer John Scott, set between 1827 and 1863. It was a 21st such success for jockey Frankie Dettori – to place him alongside the legendary Fred Archer.

There was a steady pace throughout the leading stages as Sherbert Lemon and eventual second Mystery Angel dictated from the front.

Having passed Tattenham Corner runners switched to the standside as jockeys one-by-one decided to play their cards. Mystery Angel, running a huge race, caught plenty of her rivals out as many found themselves several lengths behind.

As sticks were drawn, it was clear that the ice-cool Dettori had plenty under the bonnet. Using hands and heals he began to nurse Snowfall to the front. Her response was emphatic, and she powered away with ease. The Epsom crowd, who had waited so long to return to racing here we treated to an astonishing display. The more Frankie urged, the wider the gap became until all rivals disappeared into the distance.

Snowfall, in splendid isolation, sauntered home to claim an almost facile success. A fitting return to British Classics on the famous Downs.

Mystery Angel defied her odds of 50/1 by claiming second under Ben Curtis, and third was Divinity for trainer Aidan O’Brien.