England: Secret Gesture tries to strengthen credentials for English Oaks

Secret Gesture, a maiden race winner in her final start of 2012, can solidify her status as a contender for the Group 1 English Oaks on May 31 when she makes her first start of 2013 in Saturday’s Betfred Oaks Trial Stakes at Lingfield Racecourse, near London.

Secret Gesture was listed at 14-1 for the English Oaks in the future book with British bookmakers earlier this week. The favorite, at 7-2, was Moth, who was a troubled third in the English 1000 Guineas last Sunday.

Secret Gesture, by Galileo, is trained by Ralph Beckett for breeder Newsells Park Stud. Secret Gesture has started twice in her career, finishing second in her debut last October.

The Oaks Trial Stakes is run over 1 7/16 miles on turf. The Betfred Derby Trial Stakes will be run on the same program over the same distance, but the race is not expected to have a major influence on the June 1 English Derby.

Greatwood, a colt by Manduro trained by Luca Cumani, is expected for the Derby Trial Stakes. Earlier this week, he was a 20-1 chance in the future book for the English Derby. The future book favorite is English 2000 Guineas winner Dawn Approach, at 3-2.