The so-called ‘Fillies’ Triple Crown’, which comprises the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks and St. Leger, is rarely attempted nowadays, with trainers often attempting to exploit the weight-for-age allowances for three-year-old fillies in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, rather than running in the St. Leger. In fact, the last filly to win the Fillies’ Triple Crown was Oh So Sharp, owned by Sheikh Mohammed and trained by Henry Cecil, in 1985.
Rated 131 by Timeform and therefore categorised as ‘top class’, Oh So Sharp was described by jockey Steve Cauthen, who rode her throughout her three-year-old campaign, as ‘without doubt, the best filly I have ridden.’ Unbeaten in three starts as a juvenile, the daughter of Kris was sent off 2/1 favourite for the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, but only prevailed by the minimum margin in a three-way photo finish with Al Bahathri and Bella Colora. Nevertheless, in so doing, Oh So Sharp became the first British Classic winner in the famous maroon and white silks of Sheikh Mohammed.
Stepped up to a mile-and-a-half for the Oaks at Epsom the following month, Oh So Sharp was once again sent off favourite, at 6/4, but justified her short odds in hugely impressive style. Set alight by Cauthen in the final quarter-of-a-mile, she produced a blistering turn of foot, effectively settling the race in a matter of strides and passed the post 6 lengths ahead of the nearest rival, the Irish 2,000 Guineas-winner, Triptych.
Two narrow defeats, by Petoski in the King George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot and by Commanche Run in the Benson and Hedges Gold Cup, now the Juddmonte International, at York, followed. Nevertheless, Oh So Sharp appeared to have a straightforward task in the St. Leger, provided she stayed a mile-and-three-quarters, of course, and was sent off 8/11 favourite ahead of her stable companion Lanfranco, ridden by Lester Piggott. Win she did, albeit in workmanlike fashion, and survived a stewards’ inquiry to claim her place in racing folklore.