Third time lucky in 2025 for Crown of Oaks

Gelded since running below par at Redcar in late May, Top 40 entry Crown of Oaks got his career back on track with a cosy win on his handicap debut at Ayr on Monday. Racing off a mark of 79, the son of Wootton Bassett appreciated the step up to ten furlongs and the easier underfoot conditions. A half-brother to Pattern winners Forest of Dean and State Occasion, William Haggas' runner was held up in the early stages before making ground early in the homestraight. His jockey elected to move towards the inside and once the gap opened up, he quickened up well and readily reeled in Hornsea Bay inside the final 100 yards. A three parts of a length winner, it wouldn't be a surprise if he is entered in the Cambridgeshire Handicap at Newmarket (27th September) - a strongly run nine furlongs with cut in the ground would serve him well. Hopefully, he is set for a productive second half of the season.