Elwateen set to represent Oaks hopes for Shadwell

Elwateen is likely to be Shadwell’s Betfred Oaks contender as a supplementary entry would leave connections inclined to opt for alternative plans for Falakeyah.

Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, Elwateen made her seasonal debut in the 1000 Guineas having run just once as a two-year-old.

She ran an encouraging race on the Rowley Mile, finishing fourth in a performance both trainer and jockey felt hinted at further promise over an extended trip.

The Dubawi filly will find that test of stamina in the Oaks at Epsom on June 6, a race she will be supplemented for providing she works satisfactorily over the weekend.

“If Saeed is happy with Elwateen on Saturday morning, then she will be supplemented for the Oaks,” said Angus Gold, racing manager to owner-breeder Shadwell.

“Going into the Guineas, I asked Saeed what he felt her trip was going to be and he said she’ll certainly get a mile and a quarter.

“We were thrilled with the Guineas run and Jim (Crowley) came out of it saying she ran right to the top of the hill.

“Jim said he can absolutely guarantee she’ll stay a mile and a quarter. Beyond that I don’t suppose we’ll find out until the big day, but I’d be surprised if she didn’t stay.

“I think she’s a very classy filly and I’ll be surprised if it’s the trip that beats her.”

Elwateen’s introduction into the Oaks field would point Owen Burrows’ Falakeyah, also owned by Shadwell, in a different direction.

The filly was a hugely impressive winner of the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket and entered the Epsom picture as a result, but her trainer immediately made it clear that her participation was far from guaranteed.

Connections feel her turn of foot may mean the Oaks trip of a mile and a half is not her optimum, and therefore the 10-furlong Prix de Diane, the French equivalent of the Oaks, is an alternative alongside the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

“Elwateen going to Epsom would mean that Falakeyah is more likely to head to Chantilly, and we will also still have the option of supplementing her for the Coronation Stakes if that’s what everybody agrees,” Gold added.

“She is entered for the Prix de Diane and I would think that is the most likely option at the moment.

“With Falakeyah, Jim’s feeling was that the speed she likes to go at wouldn’t guarantee she’d get a mile and a half.

“In my experience most of them are too slow, so it’s nice to have one that might be too fast for a change!

“We’re very lucky, we don’t have as many horses anymore so it’s very nice to have two Classic chances to talk about.”