Classic Clues: Who are the leading contenders for the Oaks at Epsom on 31 May?
Hermosa and Maqsad were the big movers in the Oaks betting this weekend
WE'VE got the first Classics of the season under our belts and it won't be long until Epsom rolls around.
There were a few big movers in the Oaks market over the weekend, so we have taken a closer look at some of the leading contenders with a few key trials still to come.
Hermosa (6-1)
Aidan O'Brien's daughter of Galileo was a big mover after her impressive win in the 1000 Guineas on Sunday.
She was trimmed from 20-1 into 6-1, and she looks as though she will relish the extra half a mile at Epsom.
She is a sister to the top-class middle distance performer Hydrangea and she races as though she would appreciate a greater test of stamina.
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Maqsad (7-1)
William Haggas' rapidly progressive filly threw her hat into the ring with a brilliant win in the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes on Sunday.
She was the only winner at Newmarket on Sunday who managed to come from off the pace, and she sauntered clear for a taking success.
Her trainer's initial reaction towards the Oaks was lukewarm, and while her dam's side of her pedigree offers hope she will stay 1m4f, her sire Siyouni is more of a speed influence. The French Oaks over 1m2f could be perfect for her.
Iridessa (12-1)
Joseph O'Brien's filly went into a few notebooks after her eighth in the 1000 Guineas.
She was short of room and never really able to launch a significant challenge, despite only finishing three lengths behind the winner.
While she should relish a longer trip, she doesn't look as though she has enough tactical speed to win an Oaks - you need a change of gear to win at Epsom.
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Pink Dogwood (9-2)
I was hugely impressed with the reappearance success of this sister to Irish Derby winner Latrobe.
She was fresh on her return to action and poorly positioned towards the tail of the field, but she made up her ground (over an inadequate 1m2f) in incredibly taking fashion on the bridle.
She was only pushed out hands and heels to win snuggly and she will eat up the extra two furlongs at Epsom. The continued support for her in the betting suggests Ballydoyle rate her very highly.
Sparkle Roll (16-1)
John Gosden's filly is an absolute brute.
She towered over her rivals at Sandown on her return to action and brushed aside a smart sort in King Power despite shouldering a 7lb penalty.
She is closely related to the Derby winner Wings Of Eagles and she could shorten up further in the betting for the Oaks if she heads to York next week.
Still to come...
The 25-1 about Manuela De Vega for the Oaks could disappear if she impresses in the Cheshire Oaks on Wednesday.
She is related to the smart Isabel De Urbina (sixth in Enable's Oaks) and she should love the step up in trip at Chester.
There are also a handful of interesting fillies entered in the Lingfield Oaks Trial on Saturday, including the unbeaten Frankellina.
Next week's Dante Festival at York could also prove informative, with the Musidora Stakes usually attracting a high calibre of filly.