Jockey PJ McDonald says he is looking forward to riding Laurens in Thursday’s Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York. Laurens landed the Prix De Diane Group 1 Stakes – also known as the French Oaks – at Chantilly last time out and there is huge optimism heading into this week’s Yorkshire Ebor Festival.
Thursday’s race will be a slight step up in trip for the three-year-old, who has won four of her previous five races, and she will also be going up against Irish Oaks champion Sea Of Class.
It is set to be another fascinating edition of the Yorkshire Oaks and McDonald can’t wait to partner Laurens once again.
He told Qipco British Champions Series: “I’m itching to ride her over a mile and a half because if she improves again for stepping up in trip she could be an absolute monster.
“We always thought she would have no problem staying and I have no doubts in my mind whatsoever after the way she won the French Oaks.
“Most of [the opposition] have all run over the distance, whereas my filly is still unexposed over that trip. None of us has a crystal ball and she might not get home, but I would be shocked if that was the case. The dam’s side of her pedigree is all stamina.”
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