Tom Stanley's top tips for Friday: Maqsad the one to be on in Oaks
By Tom Stanley
Last Updated: Fri 14 Jul 2023
A personal best result in the Investec Oaks, from a betting perspective, came in 2014 when the brilliant Taghrooda won for John Gosden.
She had looked electric in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket and the extra few furlongs seemed certain to suit.
I am hoping history repeats itself this year, though that trip comment cannot be rolled out for this year's selection. All selections on Friday are from the Downs – best of luck.
Dave Nevison
Finished: 1stSP: 2/1
He needed it first time out in Dubai and had not really come into his coat. He looked better second time but ran below form and it is no surprise they drew stumps out there.
I like him here though from a handy draw. The ground is in his favour and he is just 3lb above that Goodwood win. Whether he will need it, I don’t know, but I am willing to take a chance at the prices.
Dave Nevison
Finished: 1stSP: 6/4
I am hoping it is a good day for Her Majesty The Queen and Ryan Moore, as Elector must have a great chance of following up his Newmarket win.
He is back up in trip - which shouldn’t be a problem - and a gelding operation will hopefully be the making of him.
I certainly thought he was better value than the 2lb rise he was handed for last time.
Andy Stephens
Finished: 6thSP: 3/1
After she won at Newmarket, there were questions, including from within her own camp, as to whether she would get the Oaks trip.
It is not certain she will, but I think the team are right in trying. She is a daughter of Siyouni, who doesn’t produce many mile and a half runners, for all his progeny have a good strike rate at the trip.
It is her dam side pedigree which gives the hope but, moreover, her latent talent. She could prove best at slightly shorter, but that doesn’t mean she won’t be good enough to win the Oaks, and I think she could well be the best of these.
I am very happy to play at the prices, with William Haggas’s other filly, Frankellina, and Dermot Weld’s Tarnawa most tempting of the double-figure odds battalion.
Andy Stephens
Finished: 1stSP: 1/2
I like Space Blues very much, but he’s not been missed off the back of that win last time and, having backed Urban Icon for the Guineas, I am retaining the faith he’s a proper horse.
Tom Marquand apparently got off last time and said he didn’t stay, so it is no surprise he's back in trip.
I thought they would wait for the Jersey, but he’s worth backing here with ground in his favour.
Related posts
Kyprios becomes O'Brien's most prolific Group One winner
Syrian set for jump in class
Kirklees reaches for Sky
Staying stars Teahupoo and Bob Olinger counting down to Cheltenham
Shea stands by Jet Plane
Todays top offer
Get 1,000,000 Free Spins on J Cole
T&Cs Apply
Featured offers
Testing JC
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £20 Get £40 in free bets with BetVictor
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in Free Bets
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved