Delayed start for Oaks heroine Rain

Last year’s Investec Oaks winner Dancing Rain will not be seen until the latter part of the season.

William Haggas’s filly took two Classics last year as she also landed the German Oaks, as well as the Pride Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day, and wrapped up her campaign when down the field behind Snow Fairy in Japan.

“She had a setback a little while ago and hopefully we’re looking at an autumn campaign now,” said Haggas.

Looking towards this year’s Classics, punters should hold their bets on Haggas’s Qipco 1000 Guineas entry Diala.

Beaten by subsequent Fillies’ Mile and May Hill winner Lyric Of Light on her debut at Newmarket, the Iffraaj filly won her own maiden in emphatic style back on the Rowley Mile in October.

“She won’t be seen before the Guineas, if she makes it,” Haggas said. “I don’t want to rush her.”