Minnie Hauk Bids to Defend Yorkshire Oaks Crown

You have to rewind to Islington in 2003 to find the last filly to go back to back in the Yorkshire Oaks (G1). Even the mighty Enable (GB) didn't achieve the feat, as Sea of Class won between her two victories in 2017 and 2019. But Minnie Hauk (IRE) is back to defend the crown she won so decisively last year and the dark, showery skies above the Knavesmire won't do her prospects any harm at all Aug. 20 at York Racecourse. Last year's emphatic victory over Estrange (IRE) was part of a glorious 3-year-old campaign for Minnie Hauk, which saw her land the Cheshire, Epsom (G1), Irish (G1), and Yorkshire Oaks in the space of just over three months. She was the queen of the season. She went on to produce a career best in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) when only gunned down late by Daryz (FR) and was probably over the top when a well-beaten favorite in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) at Del Mar. This season has been hit and miss, however. A winning return in the Mooresbridge Stakes (G2) was followed by a very tame effort when 4-6 for the Gold Cup (G1) at the Curragh. She ran big when second to Ombudsman (IRE) in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, but returned to the track a month later for the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) and blew out completely. It is hard to know which Minnie Hauk will turn up here, but the best version of herself would take the world of beating, and Aidan O'Brien reports her to be in terrific nick. "Minnie seems to be in great form," the trainer said. "She won this race last year and it has always been the intention to come back for it again. The track suits her and everybody seems very happy with her, so we're looking forward to getting her back on track." O'Brien has also entered Sugar Island (IRE). Kalpana Leads the Opposition Kalpana (GB) bids for a fourth group 1 success when she takes on Minnie Hauk—beaten 18 lengths by Kalpana last out—and seven other rivals in Thursday's race. Owned by Juddmonte, the 5-year-old beat Calandagan (IRE) in the King George at the end of July and makes her first start at York for Andrew Balding as she bids to continue her fine campaign. Joseph O'Brien is on the hunt for another Oaks and sends out the progressive Johanna Walsh (IRE), with the 3-year-old having landed the Irish Oaks by 4 lengths. Lancashire Oaks Stakes (G2) winner Tattycoram (GB) goes for Ralph Beckett, having had just two starts this season, while Height of Fashion Stakes winner Inis Mor (FR), who was second in the Irish Oaks, goes for David Menuisier. Wathnan has been a formidable force at the major festivals this season and it saddles Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) winner Earth Shot (IRE), while Juddmonte attempts to double their chances with Legacy Link (GB), the Epsom Oaks runner-up. Lightly raced Sparan Nua (IRE) takes her second chance in group 1 company for Jim Bolger, having finished third in the Irish Oaks before disappointing as favorite in the Desmond Stakes (G3) when last seen. A Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In event, the winner of the Yorkshire Oaks will earn an automatic, fees-paid berth to the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1T) Oct. 31 at Keeneland.