With fewer entries than expected, the Oaks will see only 48 participants this year instead of the usual 72. However, the quality remains exceptional, with three competitors from each race advancing to the next round.
Though the field didn’t fill as anticipated, the calibre of the contenders is impressive as they compete for the title of the top female greyhound in the nation. The first round promises excitement as Druids Say Go, Avongate Venus, and Toddys Thunder kick off the competition. Fans were hoping to see the East Anglian Derby winner and the Empress Stakes champion clash later in the event, but this thrilling match-up arrives early, setting a high bar from the start.
In the second heat, defending champion Jet Stream Angel, who took the crown after No Rush's disqualification, will face off against Leighas Dream, the runner-up from the Angel of the North. Heat five features Queen Joni starting her campaign for victory against Untold Ruble, who previously claimed titles in both the Angel of the North and the Sunderland Puppy Cup.
Coppice Ella, the reigning British Bred Oaks champion, appears in heat seven, while Southfield Poppy, who won the Produce Stakes, will challenge Empress Stakes runner-up Icemans Girl in the fourth heat. With the depth of talent in this year’s female greyhound division, spectators can expect four weeks of exhilarating racing.