Oaks clash is one for the 'purists' says trainer Bell

Last year's English and Irish Oaks winner was a narrow second to Dar Re Mi in the Group 1 contest 12 months ago, and faces another stern examination in what could be one of the races of the season.

This year's dual Oaks winner Snow Fairy and Sariska's old rival Midday look the chief opposition, but Bell could not be happier with his star filly on her first start since finishing second in June's Coronation Cup.

"It seems a while since Epsom now and this is the beginning of the second half of her campaign," said the Newmarket handler. "She's in good form and is certainly fit enough to do herself justice. She's obviously not right at her peak, and we've left a bit of room for improvement, but I wouldn't be running her if I didn't think she was fit enough to run well.

"She would just appreciate a little bit of help from above with the odd shower. I think it will be the most suitable ground she's ever encountered at York. It's a great race and very much one for the purists. There's two dual Oaks winners taking each other on, plus a Breeders' Cup winner and a very good supporting cast as well.

"I think it's the first time the generations have clashed and it's going to be a very interesting race for everyone to enjoy."

Midday has given Tom Queally some of the biggest moments of his career to date, with two successes in Goodwood's Nassau Stakes and a memorable triumph in last year's Breeders' Cup Filly And Mare Turf. While the jockey respects Snow Fairy, he sees Sariska as the biggest threat on the Knavesmire. "I know my filly is in great nick," he said.

Bell is also hopeful Margot Did can open her Pattern-race account in the Jaguar Cars Lowther Stakes. Following a couple of impressive displays in lesser company, the juvenile was beaten just a head by Memory in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, and was then half a length behind Soraaya in the Princess Margaret Stakes.

"It would be great to see her win one of these and I think the track will suit her far better than Ascot," said Bell. "She's a class act."

The one likely to give Margot Did most to think about is the John Gosden-trained Maqaasid.

Meanwhile, this evening's scheduled meeting at Chepstow was abandoned yesterday after patches of damaged ground were discovered.

"I'm confident that everyone will understand that safety is paramount," said track spokesman Tony Kelly.