In similar fashion to the colts’ Derby Trial equivalent, the Oaks Trial Stakes is colloquially known as the Lingfield Oaks Trial and is staged every May in advance of the big race for three-year-old fillies at Epsom.
Staged over one mile, three-and-a-half furlongs, the Oaks Trial has Listed Race status. It has been won in the past by subsequent Oaks winners Ginevra, Syrona, User Friendly, Lady Carla, and Ramruma. Still, the fortunes of winners of this contest in more recent years have taken a dive, leading to the race being downgraded in the minds of many.
In 2019 however, John Gosden’s Anapurna took this race en route to winning the Oaks at Epsom on the same day as Anthony Van Dyck won the Derby Trial, Aidan O’Brien’s colt also going onto glory in June.