Rhododendron will rock bookmakers unceremoniously if able to continue the remarkable ‘classic’ sequence of Aidan O’Brien in the Epsom Oaks over a mile and a half of a ‘good’ surface today; all ‘big-hitters’ and city dwellers will be out in force to pile on pressure which several bookmakers have uncharacteristically subjected themselves to at huge odds.
Bookmaking is all about playing within parameters and securing regular profit, not trying to hit sixes knowing that the slightest mishit will be gobbled by those on boundaries.
Bookies offered 50/1 that O’Brien would not win all ten classics; following last weekend, when he bagged both in Ireland, odds are now less than 10/1!
Last month Aidan landed the English 2000/1000 Guineas with Churchill and Winter!
On my time-handicap there is nothing to stop Rhododendron but she will be racing 50% further; twenty days ago this Galileo filly stormed into second over the Rowley Mile to finish second, beaten two lengths, by vastly-improved Winter.
Distance is unlikely to be a saviour for those unsuspecting layers or a problem for Ryan Moore, also aboard stable-companion, Minding, when that great and glorious filly obliged twelve months ago.
In my book Rhododrendron is too short but for part-owner, former bookmaker Michael Tabor irresistible.
Michael once told a pal that he relishes ‘short certs’ because bookies have to lay him as much as he wants but he’s a ‘loser’ in the long run; backing at prohibitive, playing ‘snakes and ladders’ simply can’t pay, and doesn’t.