Oaks on agenda for classy Alive

Alive Alive Oh looked a serious classic contender when running away with the Listed Salsabil Stakes at Navan this evening.

The Tommy Stack-trained filly landed a significant gamble in the ten furlong event, having been as big as 9/2 this morning.

She opened 15/8 on course after attracting money before racing and the price continued to collapse in the ring as she was backed into 11/10 favourite.

Fran Berry settled behind the leaders on the Duke Of Marmalade filly before taking closer order two furlongs from home.

She hit the front with over a furlong to run and soon settled matters, pulling clear in impressive style for a six-length success.

Magical Dream (4/7 in morning returned 11/8) had attempted to launch her challenge at the same time as the winner but had no chance of living with Alive Alive Oh and was all out close home to hold 25/1 shot Sleeping Beauty for second.

The winner holds entries in the Ribblesdale at Ascot as well as the Pretty Polly and Irish Oaks at the Curragh. She would need to be supplemented for English Oaks but Stack revealed Epsom was on his mind:-

“It was a good performance and we're pleased with that. I think she'll get further and we'll have to think about the Oaks now."

Berry added:- “She was very very good. I was a bit worried beforehand that there wouldn't be too much pace but they went an even gallop.

“She settled well and travelled very easily. It was good to see her getting up the hill. She's potentially an Oaks filly and at least the dream is still alive.”

Stan James gave the winner a quote of 16/1 for the Epsom Oaks.

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)