Deep Impact’s Snowfall in stunning Oaks win
Snowfall (3 f Deep Impact – Best In The World by Galileo) blitzed her rivals to win the Cazoo Oaks (Gr 1, 1m 4f) by a record 16 lengths and provide Aidan O’Brien with his ninth success in the Epsom Classic.
Frankie Dettori weaved through the field aboard the daughter of Deep Impact (Sunday Silence), who powered clear of 50-1 shot Mystery Angel (Kodi Bear). Divinely (Galileo) was one and three-quarter lengths further behind in third, while her better-fancied stablemate Santa Barbara (Camelot) finished fifth of 14 runners.
“We thought she was very good last year and ran her in all the big races,” said O’Brien, who celebrated his 40th success in a British Classic. “She’s got stronger over the winter.
“We’ve been over the moon with her at home since her impressive victory at York. We knew she had a lot of class coming here and Frankie gave her a very good ride. She looks special.”
Snowfall was cut to 5-1 (from 20) for the Coral-Eclipse (Gr 1, 1m 2f) at Sandown and shortened to 5-1 favourite for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr 1, 2400m) at Longchamp in October.
“They were going too quick up front and she went through the field like a hot knife through butter,” Dettori told ITV Racing after winning his sixth Oaks. “I was afraid of Santa Barbara coming from behind but when I saw some daylight she kicked on.”
Snowfall is the first foal out of Group 3 winner Best In The World (Galileo), who is a sister to 2016 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Found.