The Dunlop family has a formidable record when it comes to the Investec Oaks. John Dunlop trained Circus Plume (1984) and Salsabil (1990) to victory, with his son Ed saddling the outstanding Ouija Board (2004). This year, the newest recruit to the training dynasty, Harry Dunlop, has a live contender with Three Moons.
A daughter of Montjeu and owned by Kate Goldsmith, wife of Ben Goldsmith, Three Moons finished second on her first four starts last season including when beaten a short-head by Midday at Newmarket in September. She began this season brightly with an easy success in Folkestone maiden on April 9, before running a good race in defeat when second in the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket on May 3.
Harry Dunlop said, "Three Moons had her Investec Oaks trial in the Pretty Polly Stakes and she will now head straight to Epsom Downs.
"We have always liked her, even as a two-year-old. She was just touched off by Midday at Newmarket last season and we thought at the time it was a good race. She would obviously have to improve again to figure in the Investec Oaks but, based on her run at Newmarket, I think that she has every right to go Epsom Downs.
"She has taken the step up to 10 furlongs very well and I think that the extra distance of the Investec Oaks will suit her. It was mentioned after she won at Folkestone that she might prefer a flatter track but I don't know where that came from. She's a balanced filly and I don't see why she shouldn't handle Epsom Downs, although we won't know for sure until she runs there.
"Sir James bred Montjeu and that is why Ben has a filly by the stallion. The Goldsmiths are very much involved in racing and they are thrilled to have a filly like this. We are all obviously excited about her and just hope that she makes it to Epsom Downs without any problems."
