The Michael Stoute-trained Islington hardened as ante-post favorite after her victory in last week's Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (Eng-III) at York but she looks set to face no shortage of rivals with legitimate claims.

The Musidora runner-up, Spinnette, has been kept in the race by trainer Jeremy Noseda as has Mellow Park, an amazing 11-length winner of Goodwood's Victor Chandler Lupe Stakes on May 22.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien, successful last year with Imagine and three years earlier with Shahtoush, still has six in this year's race, including Sagitta One Thoussand Guineas (Eng-I) fifth Quarter Moon and Kournakova, who could both run in Sunday's Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-I) at the Curragh.

Aqualina and Sun Seasons, trained in Ireland respectively by Jim Bolger and Dermot Weld, along with the French-trained Behreyma add further international appeal.

Sagitta One Thousand Guineas winner Kazzia is Godolphin's sole representative with the Newmarket runner-up, Snowfire, also engaged.

Marcus Tregoning is represented by the Pretty Polly Stakes winner Esloob and Cheshire Oaks winner Shadow Dancing, who would be a poignant Epsom victor. The Unfuwain filly was bred and part-owned by Willie Carson and legendary trainer Maj. Dick Hern, who died May 22.

Among the lightly-raced contenders are the Peter Harris-trained Persian Lass, easy winner of a Salisbury maiden a week ago, and the well-regarded Java, who finished second on her only start earlier this month for trainer Henry Cecil, who has won the Oaks seven times.

There is a £20,000 supplementary entry stage for the Oaks on May 31.

THE VODAFONE EPSOM OAKS
(Eng-I), June 7, 1 1/2 miles, 3-year-old fillies