CONDITIONS will play a major role on Oaks Day, and with a significant amount of rain forecast it looks the time to back those who will act on softer going.

I’m taking a massive swing in the Betfred Oaks (4.00pm) given the likelihood of testing conditions, and that’s with SUGAR ISLAND for the Ballydoyle and Coolmore powerhouses.

She made all to win a heavy ground Group Three at the Curragh last season, beating Thundering On who is significantly shorter than her in the market.

Conceding a five-pound penalty for that, she forced the pace last time for current Oaks favourite Amelia Earhart on ground that was too lively.

The race again could be set up for Amelia Earhart, but with both the hood and blinkers reached for as well as a question over the ground, I can swerve her at her current odds.

Back on a potentially easier surface, there’s a good chance Sugar Island will be afforded too much rope on the front end.

It’s not definite that she runs, and we are second guessing the weather and Aidan O’Brien a touch, but a monster price of 50/1 more than compensates that.

CAMEO for the same connections is worth a saver at 10/1.

A strong gallop looks guaranteed, which will benefit her.

She’s bred for this job and looked better the further she went when winning the trial at Lingfield.

Earlier on the card, ICE MAX is interesting in the Diomed Stakes (2.40pm).

He loves cut in the ground and travelled like the winner for much of his race behind Persica last year, who is favoured to win again here.

With rain around, the gap in the betting between the two looks too big and the 13/2 on offer needs snapping up.

POINTERS                                                                FRIDAY

Ice Max e/w                                                               2.40pm             Epsom

Sugar Island e/w                                                    4.00pm              Epsom

Cameo e/w                                                               4.00pm              Epsom