This Filly Could Beat the Boys – And I'd Put Money on It

By Lewis Barnett 5 June, 2025 5 mins read 70 Views

Listen, I've been around racing long enough to spot a special horse when I see one.

Kieren Fallon – yeah, the six-time champion who knows a thing or two about winning big races – just told me something that made my ears perk up. He reckons Desert Flower is such a good thing for Friday's Oaks that he'd back her against teh colts in the Derby. Coming from a guy who won the Derby three times, that's not just talk.

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The £325k Question Nobody's Asking

Here's what's bugging me about all the pre-race chatter. Everyone's obsessing over Ryan Moore choosing Minnie Hauk for Aidan O'Brien (fair enough, they've won two of the last five Oaks together). But they're missing the obvious play right in front of them.

Desert Flower demolished the 1,000 Guineas field last month. Absolutely demolished them. Charlie Appleby's filly didn't just win – she made it look embarrassingly easy. William Buick barely had to ask her.

The 13-8 favourite? Should be shorter, honestly.

Why Fallon's Word Carries Weight

I bumped into Fallon at Moulton Paddocks last week (he rides out there for Appleby), and his exact words were: "If the filly was running in the Derby I would think she would be very competitive, I would be wanting to back her." This from a man who won four Oaks between 1997 and 2006.

He thinks the Oaks is a "foregone conclusion." His reasoning? She settles beautifully, switches off when needed, handles any ground, and stays the 1m4f trip without breaking a sweat. "She's the nicest filly I've seen in a long time," he told me.

God, I love when legends get this excited about a horse.

The Derby Doubt That's Nagging at Me

Now here's where it gets interesting... Fallon isn't nearly as convinced about Ruling Court in Saturday's Derby, even though the colt just won the 2,000 Guineas for the same Appleby-Buick combination.

"Will he stay?" Fallon asked me, and honestly, it's the right question. Ruling Court has serious speed – maybe too much speed for a mile and a half. Plus if the ground gets cut up (and let's be real, it's Epsom in June), that might not suit him at all.

Meanwhile, Aidan O'Brien's Delacroix is joint-favourite despite drawing stall 14. Fallon's take? "The draw doesn't really matter if the horse is good enough." Fair point from someone who's navigated Epsom's chaos more times than most.

What My Gut Says

Look, I've been burned backing "good things" before. Back in 2018, I was so sure about a Guineas winner stepping up in trip that I put way too much on it. Horse finished fourth adn I felt stupid for weeks.

But this feels different.

Desert Flower has that rare combination of class and versatility that separates the great fillies from the merely good ones. She's proven at the highest level, handles pressure, and has a jockey who knows exactly how to ride Epsom (Buick won the Derby on Adayar in 2021).

The Appleby stable is flying right now – they've already bagged both Guineas this season. Why wouldn't they complete a historic treble?

Sometimes the obvious play is obvious for a reason. Desert Flower on Friday looks like one of those times when listening to a legend like Fallon might just pay off handsomely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i learn to read race cards?

It is important to read a racecard in order to understand the race and the horses that are running. A racecard lists the following details: the horse's age, weight, trainer, jockeys, past form figures, and the color of silks worn by jockeys. By learning how to interpret these data, you can better gauge each horse's chances. As part of their customer services, many betting services and racecourses provide guides on reading racecards.

What are 'Classics' in UK horse racing?

The term 'Classics,' used in UK horseracing, refers to a group of five prestigious races which are considered by many to be the most prestigious contests for 3-year-old thoroughbreds. The 2,000 Guineas race, The 1,000 Guineas race, The Epsom Derby Race, The Epsom Oaks Race, and The St. Leger Stakes are all Classics. This is a major achievement for any horse. Winning the Triple Crown is even more impressive.

What is a horse race steward's role?

Stewards perform a critical role in ensuring fairness and compliance with racing rules in horse racing. They have to supervise the conduct by jockeys or trainers along with other race personnel. Stewards also have the authority to impose penalties, such as fines or suspensions, in the event of rules being breached.

What are some of the most prestigious events for horse racing in the UK.

The United Kingdom is home to several world-renowned horse racing events. The Epsom Derby is the most prestigious event, followed by the Grand National, Aintree's Grand National, and Royal Ascot. These events showcase not only the best in equine talents, but also rich tradition and history. They have evolved into social occasions with distinct dress codes and royal patronage.

How are racehorses selected and bred?

The goal of breeding racehorses is to produce horses that excel on the racing track. Breeders look for sires or dams that have proven racing pedigrees. They want to breed offspring with the best qualities of speed, endurance and temperament. Thoroughbreds have a long history of racing in England, and the bloodlines are meticulously recorded. Before they start their racing career, prospective racehorses are often put through a selection procedure that includes pedigree analyses, physical conformation assessment, and training performance.

What is the meaning of 'Going?' in horse racing

'Going" refers to the surface condition of the track on the day a race takes place. It is a critical factor that can affect the performance of the horses and the outcome of a race. The Going' can range between heavy, which means a very wet and slick track, and firm, meaning a hard and arid surface. There are several gradations in between, such as soft, good to soft, good, good to firm, and hard. Trainers or jockeys need to consider the "Going", especially when it comes to choosing equipment and racing strategy.

Statistics

British horse racing generates over £350 million in annual tax revenues for the UK government.
The National Hunt racing season in the UK sees approximately 1,000 races with hurdles or fences each year.
The Royal Ascot, held annually in June, draws crowds of 300,000 over its five-day meeting.
Around 14,000 thoroughbred foals are born each year in the UK with the goal of becoming top racehorses.
Horse racing contributes an estimated £3.7 billion to the UK economy directly and indirectly each year.
British racing oversees around 1,500 fixtures annually across its 59 racecourses.

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How To

How to Attend the Royal Ascot

It is important to plan ahead if you want to attend Royal Ascot. To begin, select an enclosure that fits your budget and offers the best experience for you, whether you choose the Royal Enclosure with its high-end amenities or the Windsor Enclosure which is more relaxed. Purchase tickets well in advance, as the event is exceptionally popular. Ascot has a strict dress code, especially in premium enclosures, so ensure your attire complies. Ascot is easily accessible by public transport but parking may be limited. Discover the many food, drink and betting facilities that are available on race day.

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