Riyalma Backed For Classic Glory

Riyalma came in for significant market support yesterday following news that she rather than stablemate Sindirana is likely to represent the Aga Khan in the Vodafone Oaks on Friday week.

Both fillies are in training with Sir Michael Stoute and both won their trials in impressive fashion.

However, at this stage Riyalma looks set to represent the Aga, who had the misfortune to see the Stoute-trained Aliysa disqualified from first place in 1989, and sustained market support saw her shorten to 5-1 form 6-1 with Coral.

'To my knowledge Riyalma has been absolutely fine since she won the Pretty Polly Stakes,' said racing manager Pat Downes.

'I know Michael Kinane rode her a few days ago and was very happy with her.

'Obviously she needs to improve but she looks like a filly who could make a fair degree of improvement.

'It's not absolutely certain as yet which of our fillies will run in the Oaks yet.

'Ground conditions will have a bearing on whether it is Riyalma or Sindirana but at this stage it is more likely to be Riyalma,' Downes told At The Races.

'We wouldn't want it lightning quick for Riyalma.

'I think Sindirana is potentially a very nice filly. If she doesn't go to Epsom I suspect she will probably go to Royal Ascot.'

? PA Sport