Hanagan ready for showcase opener

Hanagan has had a fine run out of the Richard Fahey-trained filly already this season, winning the Nell Gwyn at Newmarket on her first start back before owner Norman Steel’s horse finished a brave fifth in the Qipco 1000 Guineas.

This Investec Oaks trial will be a different proposition altogether as the daughter of Footstepsinthesand must take on the Henry Cecil-trained Arizona Jewel, Joviality from John Gosden’s yard and the well-fancied Amazing Beauty from the in-form stable of Aidan O’Brien.

“I think she has been crying out for this step up in trip,” said Hanagan who is buoyed by Wootton Bassett’s apparent return to full fitness ahead of this Sunday’s French 2000 Guineas at Longchamp.

“She seems in great form and she should be right up there.”

The Oaks is currently off Barefoot’s Lady – she is provisionally entered for Royal Ascot’s Coronation Stakes – but victory today might prompt connections to reappraise their options.

Arizona Jewel was cut to odds of between 12-1 and 14s for the Oaks after showing an impressive change of gear in a maiden at Sandown late last month.

Cecil has already won the Musidora an incredible nine times, including with Aviate last season, and he said: “She is an improving filly and hopefully she’ll run well.”

Arizona Jewel’s jockey Tom Queally concurred, adding: “She is a lovely filly.

“This race will tell us whether giving her a run in the Oaks is worth a try.”