Zain Al Boldan eager to perform

Zain Al Boldan is ready for the Epsom Oaks, says her trainer, Mick Channon, but the field is full of strong challengers such as Godolphin's Blue Bunting.

Zain Al Boldan has improved, says her trainer, Mick Channon, ahead of the Oaks.

LONDON // Mick Channon delivered an upbeat report on Zain Al Boldan as 13 fillies stood their ground at the final declaration stage for the Oaks at Epsom tomorrow.

Zain Al Boldan, owned by Jaber Abdullah, the UAE businessman, was a six-length winner in May of the Lingfield Oaks trial. The 2,200-metre race last produced the Oaks victor in 1999, when Ramruma won for Henry Cecil.

Channon, who also runs Fork Handles and has never won the Oaks in five attempts, has become increasingly confident about Abdullah's horse over the past few weeks and cannot wait for the fillies' Classic to take place.

"They're ready to run, so roll on Friday," Channon said. "I'm very pleased with them both.

"We're chuffed with Zain Al Boldan. It was a great performance in the trial but that's behind us now. She's got to step up to the mark. I think she's improved, but the same applies to Fork Handles; she had Group form last year."

Mickael Barzalona, who has been riding with increasing frequency for Godolphin, will take his first ride for Aidan O'Brien having picked up the spare Ballydoyle mount aboard Why.

O'Brien's main hope is Wonder of Wonders, who will be ridden by Keiren Fallon, and was declared alongside Eirnin, ridden by the trainer's son, Joseph, and Misty For Me, who will be partnered with Seamie Heffernan.

As expected, Godolphin's Blue Bunting, who is considered the most likely winner after success in the first British fillies' Classic last month, makes the final line-up and will be ridden by Frankie Dettori. The Italian jockey is aiming for his fourth win in the race, which he last captured with Kazzia for Godolphin in 2002.

"Blue Bunting has done extremely well since the Guineas, has gained a little bit of weight, looks fantastic and her work has been very nice so, fingers crossed, everything is positive," Simon Crisford, Godolphin's racing manager, said. "She is bred to stay much further and has always looked like she wants a mile-and-a-half, so winning the Guineas was a fantastic bonus."

The field is completed by Siren's Song, Izzi Top, Havant, Dancing Rain, Blaise Chorus and Beatrice Aurore, owned by Benny Andersson of the pop group ABBA.