Vow (light blue) finished fourth behind Was in the Oaks at Epsom on June 1

PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos) , BY PAUL EACOTT 6:28 PM 15 JUN 2012

VOW is one of seven fillies who could attempt to become the third horse in nine years to win the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot, having been beaten at Epsom in the Investec Oaks on their previous outing.

Due to the vagaries of the calendar, there is an extra week between the two meetings this year and Harry Herbert, managing director of owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, is hoping the longer gap will help Vow provide trainer William Haggas with his second winner in the 1m4f contest, having been successful with Mount Etoile in 2006.

Vow lost her unbeaten record when finishing fourth, a length and three-quarters behind Was, at Epsom and Herbert said: “The plan is to run her in the Ribblesdale. She came out of the Oaks very well and while it is always a worry going from the Oaks or the Derby to Royal Ascot there is a three-week gap this year which will help.

“It is a long gap between the Oaks and the Irish Oaks and there is not much else for her to go for and she is still learning the game.  We think she goes on any ground.”

Racingpost