Beckett Not Bound By Oaks Decision

Ralph Beckett is in keen to let the dust settle on Honor Bound's thrilling victory in the Lingfield Oaks Trial before deciding whether she should be supplemented for the Investec Oaks at Epsom on June 6.

The Andover handler admitted he was surprised on Saturday afternoon as his filly edged out Criteria by a nose in the Listed contest, with better fancied stable companions Kallisha and Moonrise Landing back in fourth and eighth respectively.

Beckett is keen to assess the outcome of the other Oaks trials at York and Newbury this week before committing Honor Bound to Epsom, as connections will have to stump up £30,000 to add her to the Oaks field.

"All three fillies are fine this morning and ready to go again," said Beckett.

"As far as supplementing (Honor Bound) goes, I think we're just going to wait and see what happens during the next week or so.

"We'll see what happens in the Musidora at York on Wednesday and then there is the Swettenham Stud Fillies' Trial at Newbury on Friday.

"We'll base a decision on what happens in those races and make a final decision when we have to and probably not before.

"That's the way I'm looking at it at this stage."

The trainer insisted after her Lingfield triumph some cut in the ground would be important if Honor Bound were to make the trip to Epsom, but he does not see that being a problem.

"I'm not sure the ground will be a major issue, to be honest," said Beckett.

"Epsom always put plenty of water on for the Friday (Oaks day) if required and I don't think it will be as much of a problem there as it might be at other tracks."

Beckett confirmed neither Kallisha nor Moonrise Landing would now come under consideration for the Oaks, but he hopes both still have bright futures.

"Kallisha was only beaten a couple of lengths and had less experience than anything else in the race having only had the one run," said the trainer.

"She slightly missed the break and I think she will be better for the run. I still hope she'll have her day in the sun."


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