The Andre Fabre-trained 'TDN Rising Star' Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB}) who represents Juddmonte, has been added to the Aug. 18 G1 Yorkshire Oaks field, bringing the total number of entries at this stage to 12. A homebred, the daughter of Grade I winner Emollient (Empire Maker) won the G2 Prix de Malleret on Bastille Day last out. John and Thady Gosden's Oaks runner-up Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is the latest defection.
Raclette will face the accomplished Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is riding a six-race winning streak–the last four at Group 1 level–for breeder Kirsten Rausing and trainer Sir Mark Prescott. The grey mare most recently captured the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on July 3.
“I see there is a little bit of rain forecast in Yorkshire but the fast ground wouldn't inconvenience me, so I would prefer it if it didn't rain,” said Prescott.
“She did win her German Group 1s with plenty of cut in the ground so she's very versatile. What doesn't suit the others will suit me.
“It's a real privilege to be allowed to train her as a 5-year-old, but Miss Rausing is in a very unusual position that she has so many of the family, that while one of them is doing so well on the racecourse, she can afford to keep racing.
“She is adding value to the other horse whereas most people couldn't do that.”
Rausing could also have another runner in her colours in the Knavesmire race, the Ralph Beckett-trained Albaflora (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}).
Some of the other possibles at this stage include G1 Irish Oaks heroine Magical Lagoon (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) for Jessica Harrington, G1 Pretty Polly S. victress La Petite Coco (Ire) (Ruler Of The World {Ire}) from the Paddy Twomey yard, and three from Ballydoyle led by G1 Oaks scorer Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).
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