Breaking News: Giselle, a Frankel filly trained by Aidan O’Brien, seeks first Group 1 triumph in the William Hill Oaks Trial Stakes at Lingfield Park on Saturday. The 2-1 second favorite enters six Group 1 races in the coming months, including the Betfred Oaks in June. Despite running behind stablemate Bedtime Story in her debut last year, Giselle’s form has solidified, with the winner going on to claim victories in a Group 3 and Group 2. O’Brien shares that Giselle is "not really there yet" in terms of readiness but is in good form ahead of her weekend assignment.
H2: O’Brien’s Giselle Takes Aim at Oaks Trial on Lingfield Return
The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly Giselle is set to make her reappearance in the William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes at Lingfield on Saturday, marking her first opportunity this season to prove she warrants consideration in the highest company. The Group 1 horse, a daughter of Frankel, is no bigger than 20-1 for next month’s Betfred Oaks but will need to recalibrate her fortunes in this Classic trial.
H3: Giselle’s Form and Previous Performances
Earlier this year, Giselle showed promise when sent off as the well-backed favorite to win the Chesham Stakes but could only manage a length and a quarter defeat to her stablemate Bedtime Story. The latter has since Frankie Dettori to land a Leopardstown Group 3 and Curragh Group 2, further enhancing Giselle’s prospects. However, she finished fourth in the Group 3 Staffordstown Stud Stakes last October, with stewards upgrading her to third in revised placings.
H3: O’Brien’s Hopes and Chances
O’Brien, who won the Listed race with Seventh Heaven in 2016 and has since had three seconds, is optimistic despite Giselle not being fully race-fit. He said, "Giselle is only just ready to start. She’s just taken a little bit of time to come to hand and she’s not really there yet. She wears a hood as she can be a little bit keen, so hopefully that will help her relax."
H3: Key Rivals and Challenges
Love Talk, 5lb inferior on ratings but with more experience, will reportedly make her turf debut in this race. Trained by Simon Crisford, she boasts juvenile Group 2 form at Deauville. Giselle also faces Harpsichord, who won here in April and makes her turf debut under Ed Crisford.
H2: What They’re Saying: Trainers’ Tips and Insights
Top trainers and pundits weigh in on Saturday’s big races.
- Saturday’s feature of the day: read Racenews’ insight here
- The big races across the card: read more from Racing Post’s experts
H3: Can Giselle Make the Grade?
Only time will tell if Giselle can prove she belongs among the elite fillies and firmly establish herself as a legitimate Oaks contender. Her performance in the William Hill Oaks Trial Fillies’ Stakes will certainly provide a clearer picture.
FAQ
- Q: Who trainers Giselle?
- Aidan O’Brien