Yorkshire Oaks next up for Ambivalent Next week's Darley Yorkshire Oaks is a potential target for Roger Varian's Group One-winning mare Ambivalent. Last year's Pretty Polly Stakes winner was a slightly disappointing fourth when defending her crown at the Curragh at the end of June, but showed her liking for York when winning the Middleton Stakes earlier in the year. However, Varian admits his charge would face a difficult task if she does turn up on the Knavesmire for a likely clash with John Gosden's Oaks and King George heroine Taghrooda. Varian said: "Ambivalent ran a little flat in the Irish Pretty Polly and we gave her a short break after that. She looks in great shape and we would like to give her a run in Europe before targeting an international campaign this autumn. "She is versatile regarding ground and has top-class form over 10 and 12 furlongs. The Yorkshire Oaks would be a good spot for her - the track suits her. "However, giving weight to Taghrooda is no easy task and we shall also look at the Prix Jean-Romanet which is restricted to four-year-olds and upwards." Ambivalent could be part of a strong Varian team for next week's Ebor meeting. Derby runner-up Kingston Hill has both the Juddmonte International and the Great Voltigeur as options, while Steps is under consideration for the Coolmore Nunthorpe. John Smith's Cup winner Farraaj could return to the track for the Strensall Stakes. "Steps has been better than ever this year and I think, when everything falls right for him, he is capable of winning a big one," said Varian. "A fast five furlongs suits him well but he really needs some ease in the ground to be at his best. If the ground comes up on the easy side at York, we'll let him take his chance. "I was very impressed by Farraaj in the John Smith's Cup. He was drawn in stall 22 and carried 9st 11lb but still managed to win well. "He is a gelding who loves fast ground, so we shall probably look to go abroad with him later in the season. "If the ground is quick, the Strensall Stakes is an option for him but he will also get an entry in the Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor on the same day (August 23th). "They are at different ends of the country so hopefully he'll get his ground somewhere."
