GODOLPHIN could be double handed in its bid for a third successive Epsom Oaks victory a fortnight today. Chief hope for Sheikh Mohammed's all conquering organisation, which has lifted the prize with Balanchine and Moonshell in the last two years, looks to be Pricket.

The former Henry Cecil trained filly has been a short priced favourite for the second fillies' Classic since her win in the Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket early this month.

She could be joined by Shawanni, sixth in the French 1,000 Guineas at Longchamp 11 days ago, who was among 23 acceptors for the Vodafone sponsored race at yesterday's forfeit stage.

Their trainer Saeed bin Suroor has also left in Pertemps 1,000 Guineas third Bint Shadayid, who heads to the Curragh tomorrow for a rematch with the Newmarket runner up Matiya also still in the Oaks in the Irish equivalent.

Cecil has more chance than most of lowering Pricket's colours with Lady Carla, Quota and Solar Crystal all among the acceptors.

And he may well supplement recent Tattersalls Musidora Stakes winner Magnificent Style to the race at a cost of £15,000 a week today.

The three Irish trained acceptors, Dance Design, Ceirseach and Zafzala, are all engaged in tomorrow's Classic at the Curragh.

There were 16 fillies left in the Oaks at the same stage last year, when 10 eventually lined up for the race.

The same number made it to post the previous season when there were 25 left in at the forfeit stage.