Officials at Haydock have sought to allay fears that the ground will be too firm for classy filly High Heeled to take her place in the Lancashire Oaks.

A fast-finishing third to Sariska in the Investec Oaks at Epsom last time, the three-year-old has been installed as the 9-4 favourite for the mile-and-a-half Group 2 contest with Bet365.

But Charlie Hills, son and assistant to trainer Barry Hills, who is recuperating at home after five weeks in hospital with a blood disorder, warned last night that High Heeled could be ruled out if the going is unsuitable.

He said: "This race was the plan all along after Epsom but hopefully the ground will not be too quick for her. We have been pleased with her since her last run and, if the thunderstorms they expect materialise, she should run. We will be monitoring the weather closely."

Barry Hills's son Michael has already been booked for the ride.

Haydock's clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright admits he needs a "degree of luck" to get the ideal going.

He said: "I would love to produce good to firm ground but if the Lord above doesn't conform with the predicted heavy showers and thunderstorms, then the dreaded clerk of the course will have to weigh in. We need a good degree of luck to get it right."

Among High Heeled's 14 possible rivals are Clowance, who has not raced since finishing fourth behind Look Here in the Epsom Oaks more than a year ago.

Trainer Roger Charlton said: "I would expect her to need the run wherever she goes and ideally she will need good to soft ground. We also have her in at Sandown on Friday but are just waiting for the ground."

Henry Cecil's Ribblesdale Stakes second Flame Of Gibraltar is also an intended runner, while Jim Bolger's Lush Lashes could join her despite lining up at the Curragh last weekend.

Bet365: 9-4 High Heeled, 4 Flame of Gibraltar, 5 Lush Lashes, 10 July Jasmine, Take The Hint, 12 Clowance, 16 bar.