Epsom Oaks 2026 Betting Guide: Can Amelia Earhart Continue O'Brien's Classic Domination?
18+. T&Cs apply. Gamble responsibly
In this 1xBet Ireland review, we will take a look at some of the most interesting contenders in one of the key races at Derby Festival. Aidan O'Brien bids for a 12th Oaks victory with Cheshire Oaks winner Amelia Earhart, while Legacy Links head the opposition in Friday's Epsom Classic.
16:00 Epsom - Oaks (Group 1) - 1m4f
Aidan O'Brien has enjoyed a sensational start to the season, winning the English, French and Irish 1,000 Guineas, the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Prix du Jockey Club. Now he turns his attention to Epsom, where he won all three Group 1 races last year.
The Ballydoyle maestro has won the Oaks eleven times, eight of those victories coming since 2012. John and Thady Gosden have won four of the last 12 runnings, and it would be a surprise if this year's winner did not emerge from one of those two powerful yards.
The Gosdens rely on Legacy Link, who brings strong credentials after finishing fourth in the Group 1 Fillies' Mile behind Precise. That form has worked out particularly well, with the second and third both placing in the 1,000 Guineas before Precise bolted up in the Irish equivalent.
A daughter of Dubawi out of a Galileo mare and a close relation to Frankel, she enhanced her claims when winning the Musidora Stakes at York, a race used by both Snowfall and Soul Sister before their Oaks victories. However, there are two concerns: potentially soft ground and Dubawi's surprisingly modest record at Epsom. Ezeliya's Oaks success remains the only Epsom Group 1 victory for one of his progeny.
The favourite Amelia Earhart has a more obvious Oaks profile.
By Derby winner Camelot and out of Irish Oaks runner-up Venus De Milo, she looked an exciting prospect when winning the Cheshire Oaks, the same trial won by stablemate Minnie Hauk before her Oaks success. Amelia Earhart achieved an RPR 2lb higher and a Timeform figure 8lb superior to Minnie Hauk's winning trial performance.
A strong, imposing filly who was the subject of bullish reports throughout the winter, she shapes as though this step up to 1m4f will bring further improvement. Any ease in the ground should also suit and she sets a very high standard.
Stablemate Cameo commands respect after her impressive 4¾-length success in the Lingfield Oaks Trial. A daughter of Wootton Bassett out of a Galileo mare, she has already shown she can handle contrasting conditions, having won on both soft ground at the Curragh and good to firm at Lingfield.
Her Lingfield victory produced an RPR 4lb higher than Amelia Earhart's Cheshire Oaks figure, and she shaped as though further would suit. However, the early value has gone at around 8/1.
At the current prices, Amelia Earhart remains the most solid betting proposition and can provide Aidan O'Brien with a 12th overall Oaks victory.
Get the most out of watching 1xBet Ireland horse racing with a licensed betting platform for your favourite sports. Every day, the reliable bookmaker offers more than 1,000 events, a wide range of markets and generous bonuses for both new and existing players.
The analytical piece was prepared by Emmet Kennedy — Presenter, Producer, and Owner of The Final Furlong Podcast, Broadcaster with TalkSPORT, and Broadcast Consultant — with the support of 1xBet Ireland.
1XBET AND TERMINUS PLATFORM IRELAND LIMITED DO NOT SPONSOR ANY OF THE EVENTS ABOVE AND HAVE NO PARTNERSHIP WITH ASSOCIATED SPORTS LEAGUES AND/OR ASSOCIATIONS.
