Beckett content with Oaks trialist

Last updated at 18:42 11 May 2007


Kayah will bid to maintain her unbeaten record when she faces six rivals in the totesport.com Oaks Trial at Lingfield tomorrow.

Ralph Beckett's filly ran out a cosy winner of a Nottingham maiden on her only

start as a juvenile and will be stepped up considerably in class and distance in

this Listed contest.

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"She trod on a stone earlier in the week but is OK now," said Beckett.

"She cantered this morning and did well so hopefully everything is in place.

"Her work up until the weekend has also been good and she will appreciate the

rain they have had there.

"The favourite (Godolphin's Folk Opera) looks very good but I am hopeful."

William Knight saddles Shimoni and hopes she can build on an authoritative

success at Yarmouth last October.

While the Sussex handler acknowledges the scale of the task facing his

daughter of Mark Of Esteem, he has handed her an entry in the Vodafone Oaks on

June 1.

"She's wintered well but we are obviously chucking her in at the deep-end

somewhat off 78," said Knight.

"The more rain the better her chances so I was happy to see they had a fair

bit (of rain) on Thursday night.

"I also think the extra distance will suit her."

Also declared in what promises to be an informative contest are Brisk Breeze,

Elyaadi, Gull Wing and Sunlight.

Cecil already has a strong hand for the Oaks with ante-post favourite Passage

Of Time as well as Wednesday's Cheshire Oaks winner Light Shift.

Brisk Breeze has yet to win in three starts but she caught the eye when

finishing a two-length second behind Folk Opera over 10 furlongs at Newbury last

month.

Cecil, who will be seeking a third victory in the last 10 years following the

successes of Double Crossed (2001) and Ramruma (1999), is hoping to reverse that

form this time.

He said: "I hope she'll run very well.

"It was too firm for her at Newbury, she couldn't let herself go and she

needs further than that.

"She's not there without a chance and I'll be disappointed if she doesn't run

really well."

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