Winter Oaks Fillies' Handicap: Timeform's expert verdict

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Winter Oaks Fillies' Handicap
15:10 Lingfield, Saturday
Live on ITV

1. Oh So Grand (Simon & Ed Crisford/ Jack Mitchell)

Took her record to four wins from seven starts when landing the Winter Oaks Trial Handicap by a length and a quarter from Queen Regent over this course and distance last month, quickening sharply to lead inside the final 50 yards. Has an excellent record on the all-weather and is a major player.

2. Miss Bluebelle (Marcus Tregoning/ Trevor Whelan)

Proved better than ever when landing a nine-and-a-half-furlong handicap at Wolverhampton last week in good style, keeping on well to score by three lengths. She's upped in grade here but can make her presence felt.

3. Queen Regent (John & Thady Gosden/ Robert Havlin)

Has produced good efforts in all-weather handicaps on her last couple of starts, finishing runner-up to the reopposing Oh So Grand in the Winter Oaks Trial over this course and distance last month. Fitted with cheekpieces for the first time and needs to find a bit extra.

4. Behind The Scenes (James Tate/ Rossa Ryan)

Doubled her tally at Wolverhampton in August and has run at least as well on her three subsequent starts, finishing a respectable sixth in a listed race at Deauville last month. Can give another good account.

5. Twirling (Simon & Ed Crisford/ Ryan Moore)

Won twice at Kempton last year and took a small step forward when a close-up third on her handicap debut at this course last month. She's bred to be suited by this longer trip so she could have more to offer.

6. Dayzee (Barry Brennan/ Joshua Bryan)

Won three of her first six starts and then finished a good second, one place in advance of Twirling, in a mile handicap here last month. She was well positioned in that steadily-run race, however, and this is tougher.

7. Storymaker (George Boughey/ Tommie Jakes (7))

Has thrived and has won all four starts since being fitted with a tongue tie. She dug deep to beat another in-form rival over a mile at Southwell 11 days ago and is not taken lightly as she goes back up in trip.

8. Eleanor Cross (Andrew Balding/ David Probert)

Has shown fair form to make the frame in three starts but improvement is required as she steps into handicap company.

Timeform's Analyst Verdict:

OH SO GRAND developed into a useful filly last year, showing a smart turn of foot when winning the trial for this race in December, and she can go on to complete her hat-trick. Storymaker also arrives in fine form and is respected as she bids for a 5-timer, while Miss Bluebelle produced a career best on her latest outing and completes the shortlist.

Timeform's 1-2-3:

1. Oh So Grand
2. Storymaker
3. Miss Bluebelle