The racing world has a new star in the making as the filly I'm The One surged to become the fresh favourite for the Epsom Oaks following a breathtaking debut performance at Newbury on Friday. Trained by the father-son duo of John and Thady Gosden, this promising three-year-old secured a commanding six-length victory in a 1m2f maiden race, instantly capturing the attention of bookmakers and punters alike.
A Stunning Introduction to the Track
I'm The One's maiden outing was nothing short of spectacular, as she dominated the field at Newbury, a venue where her stable has previously celebrated seven victories. William Hill swiftly reacted to her impressive display, slashing her odds to 7-1 for the prestigious Epsom Classic, cementing her status as the new market leader. The filly, sired by Sea The Stars, showcased exceptional speed and poise, ridden clear under hands and heels by jockey William Buick.
Comparisons to a Legend
Prior to her debut, I'm The One had already been hailed as 'the next Enable', drawing parallels to the dual Arc and Oaks winner Enable. Buick, who famously rode Enable to a rare defeat on the same Newbury card in 2017, praised the newcomer's performance, noting, "That was very good. You couldn’t ask for more first start. She floated the whole way round there and I like the way she extended. She should progress plenty."
He added, "For a first run on a big track she was in front soon enough. She was learning but she concentrated and has a very good mind. The filly was perfect." The jockey humorously reflected on his past with Enable, remarking, "Who was the jockey beaten on Enable has become a quiz question!"
Bookmakers and Trainers React
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps commented on the dramatic shift in the Oaks betting landscape, stating, "There’s been an almighty shake-up in our Oaks betting, following the impressive debut of the John and Thady Gosden-trained I'm The One, who has been cut to 7-1 favourite for the Epsom classic." He acknowledged the lofty comparisons to Enable while tempering expectations, saying, "She was compared to Enable prior to her Newbury run and whilst she’s still got a way to go to reach those heights, we could hardly be more impressed with her start and the punters are agreeing, seeing her shorten up markedly since her victory."
Thady Gosden provided insight into the filly's race strategy and future plans, explaining, "She was drawn wide so William had to make a bit of use of her early which is not easy for an inexperienced filly but she travelled great through the race and picked up very well." He confirmed that I'm The One will now be targeted at one of the trials leading up to the Epsom Oaks, a crucial step in her development towards the classic event.
What Lies Ahead for the Rising Star
With this emphatic win, I'm The One has not only established herself as a top contender for the Oaks but also ignited excitement among racing enthusiasts eager to see if she can live up to the Enable comparisons. Her next appearance in a trial will be closely watched, as she continues to build on a debut that has set the standard for her burgeoning career. The Gosden stable's expertise and Buick's skilled riding suggest a bright future, potentially culminating in Epsom glory come June.
