WHITEWATER AFFAIR swept to an impressive Tripleprint Lupe Stakes victory at a wet and wild Goodwood yesterday. The improving filly qualified for Classic recognition with a length and three quarters and neck defeat, of Shemozzle and Papering.

But for all the promise of the performance her connections are likely to snub Epsom in favour of Royal Ascot. The last recognised trial for the Oaks proved as useful a guide to the Classic as Tuesday's Predominate Stakes won by Don Micheletto.

Of the first three finishers, only Papering is already engaged at Epsom and a supplementary entry stage on May 31st costing £15,000 is unlikely to tempt any Lupe runners. The race made no impact on the Oaks betting with bookmakers" who still quote Pricket as a top priced 11 to 8 favourite.

Whitewater Affair is improving fast in the colours of her owner breeder John Greetham, one of trainer Michael Stoute's longest standing patrons.

But probably not enough to tempt Greetham to Epsom. "It is up to Michael. The cost wouldn't worry me but I think Ascot's Ribblesdale Stakes would suit her better than Epsom," he said.

Punters landed two gambles, firstly on Poetry at 12 to 1 and Montserrat, backed into 5 to 1.