Snow Fairy Surprises in Investec Oaks

Snow Fairy justified the decision made by her connections to supplement her by weaving her way through the field to win the Investec Oaks (Eng-I) by a neck over Meeznah at Epsom June 4.

Added to the Oaks field just five days earlier at a cost of £20,000, Snow Fairy was the beneficiary of a heady ride by jockey Ryan Moore. The British champion rider dropped his filly back to last after the start, knowing his charge possessed a quick turn of foot and that she would be able to respond when asked.

Akdarena went to the front immediately after the break, setting a decent pace while opening up a two-length lead. She was followed by Marie De Medici and Gertrude Bell, with favored Aviate in close attendance.

As the field entered the home straight, Remember When and Meeznah swept to the front as the field began to bunch up. Snow Fairy was full of run but stuck behind a wall of horses, with seemingly no place to go. Moore snaked his way through the field, shooting through a narrow opening at the rail to just get up in the final strides to win by a neck.

Meeznah ran on strongly for second place, finishing two lengths in front of Remember When  Aviate appeared to be in contention for much of the race, but faded in the final furlong to finish seventh.

Final time for the 12-furlong contest was 2:35.77 over the good turf course.

Winning trainer Ed Dunlop, who was enjoying his second Oaks victory (after Ouija Board’s success in 2004), was ecstatic after the race. He told reporters, “We had doubts about her staying, but we knew she was very tough. It’s an amazing day. I’m very happy. I’d like to say thank you to my staff for doing an amazing job.”

Cristina Patino, who owns the filly, was asked about the decision to supplement Snow Fairy to the Oaks. Patino said, “We talked it over after watching her at Goodwood (where she won the listed Height of Fashion Stakes) and I said yes.The prize money covered the fee and I put it back in.”

Plans are as yet undecided for Snow Fairy, but her connections hinted that she may go in the Darley Irish Oaks (Ire-I) on July 18.

Snow Fairy is a 3-year-old daughter of Intikhab, out of Woodland Dream, by Charnwood Forest.  She was bred in Ireland by her owner.