Classic target still up for discussion with Falakeyah

Falakeyah has stood her ground for the Betfred Oaks for now – but a French foray for the Prix de Diane remains an alternative option.

The filly, owned and bred by Shadwell, is by New Bay and out of a dam called Alaflaak, herself a half-sister to the stud’s brilliant broodmare Aghareed – producer of two top-class horses in both Baaeed and Hukum.

Her debut came in a Wolverhampton maiden in November and resulted in a straightforward five-and-a-half-length victory, and this term she began her campaign with an even more impressive performance to land the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket in good style.

In third behind her was Ed Walker’s Qilin Queen, who won the Childwickbury Stud Fillies’ Trial Stakes at Newbury at the weekend and is Oaks-bound as a result.

Falakeyah is also pencilled in for an Oaks, but whether that be the mile-and-a-half English version or the shorter trip of the French equivalent at Chantilly remains to be seen.

“Both the Oaks, French and English, are still under consideration,” said trainer Owen Burrows.

“We decided against supplementing her for the Irish Guineas, but she’s come out of the race well and we’re really pleased with her.

“Angus (Gold, of Shadwell) and Richard (Hills, also of Shadwell) came down last Saturday and watched her do a routine piece of work, we’ve all been happy with her.

“Interestingly the form was franked on Saturday by Qilin Queen as well which is always good to see.

“She’s obviously a very exciting filly and we just want to make sure we get it right with her.

“Whether it’s the English or French Oaks is up for discussion, one’s on the sixth of June and one is the 15th, so we’ve a couple of weeks still to decide.

“We’re still discussing whether we think a mile and a half will be too far at this stage, but we’ve touched on the fact there is only one chance to run in the Oaks.

“Jim (Crowley) will probably have another sit on her, I’m hoping there might be a bit of rain about so we can do a bit of work, see how she is and go from there.”

Despite her participation not being certain, Falakeyah is fairly prominent in the market at this stage along with 1000 Guineas heroine Desert Flower and the Cheshire Oaks winner Minnie Hauk.

The latter is trained by Aidan O’Brien, who also has Giselle, Whirl, Lake Victoria, January and Island Hopping on the possibles list.

Guineas fourth Elwateen, owned by Shadwell and trained by Saeed bin Suroor, will need supplementing if she is to head to Epsom over the Coronation Stakes.