Sariska in top form for Coronation Michael Bell reports Sariska to be in peak form as last year's dual Oaks winner prepares to take on the colts in the Investec Coronation Cup at Epsom on Friday. The Newmarket trainer believes his star filly has a good chance on the form book of overpowering last year's Epsom Derby runner-up Fame And Glory, but knows it is a vintage renewal of the race. History is against Sariska, however, as she bids to become the first Oaks winner to follow up in the Coronation Cup in successive years since Lupe in 1970-71 and no filly or mare has succeeded since David Elsworth's In The Groove in 1991. Time Charter also won the Oaks (1982) and Coronation Cup (1984) double, while the brilliant Triptych (1987-88) was a dual winner of the race for the females. Bell can take heart from the fact that Sariska recorded a time in winning the Oaks that was over a second quicker than that which Sea The Stars won the Derby in. Fame And Glory was also some way behind Sariska in the Champion Stakes at Newmarket last October. "We're looking forward to it very much. She's in great form and I've been very happy with her preparation," said Bell. "It looks to be a very high-class race, but she's going there in really good nick. "She looked impressive when she won at York and various form lines give us the beating of Fame And Glory, but obviously he has trained on big time. "Then you have got the older brigade as well knocking about. It's a really good race."
