Savethelastdance completes 22-length rout to become favourite for the Oaks

10 May 2023 , 15:16

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Savethelastdance leaves her rivals in the distance at Chester (Image: PA)

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Savethelastdance produced a jaw-dropping display at Chester to become hot favourite for the Betfred Oaks on Wednesday.

The filly turned the Cheshire Oaks into a rout as she captured the race by an incredible 22 lengths.

As a result she was cut to 6-4 favourite for the Oaks after delivering O’Brien a record eighth victory.

Describing the performance, ITV Racing commentator Richard Hoiles exclaimed: “You will seldom see a trial won by as far as this. Savethelastdance, that could be 20 lengths.”

He added: “The ground has probably exaggerated the margin but nonetheless that is a big, big win.”

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Jockey Ryan Moore, riding his sixth winner of the race, said: “I was very impressed, you can only be impressed by what she’s done there.

“They kind of all gave up with half a mile to go and she was just getting going, but she gave me a very good feel – she’s probably given me as good a feel in this race as the ones I’ve ridden.”

Savethelastdance was promoted to favourite across the board with William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps saying: “The money had been very strong for Savethelastdance even before her Cheshire Oaks win, but after her hugely impressive victory we’ve had to cut her to just 6-4 for the Oaks at Epsom.

“We did make her a 2-1 chance immediately, but the money flew in straight after her 22-length demolition job and she’s now just 6-4 to give Aidan O’Brien an 11th Oaks next month.”

Jon Lees