Italian Oaks: Who are the main contenders?
Updated: Oct 14
The Italian Oaks is held over 1600m, with total prize money of €253,000. Team Gocciadoro* will be present with six horses, including several of the main contenders. Can anyone stop the stable from taking the victory? The Oaks is scheduled for 16:15 this Sunday.
Favorites
Ifigenia Of Brown - Robin Bakker
The fastest qualifier, and it looked easy. With seven career starts, five victories and two second places, Ifigenia Of Brown is one of the clear leaders in this field. Her two defeats came in Breeders Course finals against Intesa Ek and In The Night Gar. She has proven she can race from the lead or finish from behind, as she did in the eliminations.
Ingrid AM* - Antonio Di Nardo
Eight victories out of 14 starts prove that Ingrid AM is among the leading fillies in Italy. A rocket behind the gate, and if she’s able to take the lead, she might be impossible to reel back in.
Impressive Gio* - Gaetano Di Nardo
In great form. Hasn’t finished outside the podium in 2026. Quite a big filly and has been best from behind in her recent races. From post 6, she’ll have multiple options and can use her strength later on.
Irma Ferm - M. Stefani
Finished well to take third from behind in her heat. Isn’t the fastest starter, meaning post 7 is not a direct problem for the mare. One to look out for in the closing stages when coming from within the field. Has beaten similar opposition before.
Challengers
Intesa Ek* - Alessandro Gocciadoro
A good starter, but has raced best in Sweden. Couldn’t resist the finish of Impressive Gio in the heats. From post 2, she should be able to get a nice trip. Needs to look out for the favorites.
Ischia Joy - Francesco Facci
Challenged Ingrid AM in the heats but had to give way both during the race and in the final straight. A bit inconsistent. Strong and fast, but needs to use it at the right times.
Idra Pal Bar* - Örjan Kihlström
has to come from behind but has proven to be consistent and fast. Can get a nice trip from within the field, where everything is possible with Kihlström in the bike.
Outsiders
Io Tu E La Rosa finished nicely in her elimination but looks unpredictable. Post 1 will not be in her favor, as she’s among the more careful starters. Needs a race that develops in her favor.
Ialmaz Indal* and I Love America have been part of the conversation for the smaller places against similar horses. They can be again with the right trip.
Ifinoe Degli Dei, I Am A Dream Gar* and I Fly For Bar seem to be up against it in a higher-level field.
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