The Juddmonte Irish Oaks (16h40), run at the Curragh today, highlights a busy weekend of racing in the UK and Ireland.
Fourteen fillies contest the Group 1, with a first-prize worth and Ireland. €285,000. Track conditions are likely to remain good.
Earlier in the week, the big news was that of jockey Ryan Moore switching rides in the contest.
Originally booked to ride Ribblesdale heroine Port Fairy, Moore now rides stablemate Content for the Ballydoyle team.
Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore – more smiles likely later today! (Pic – Racing TV)
The Galileo filly failed to land a blow in her first two starts this year over a mile, first in France and then in the Coronation Stakes when six-lengths behind Porta Fortuna. She shaped much better when upped in trip for the Pretty Polly Stakes here last time, finishing well for third behind the older fillies Bluestocking and Emily Upjohn. That looks the strongest piece of form.
She shortened into 11/4 favourite from 6’s after the news with Port Fairy easing to 4/1. The point is taken, and she is selected to provide her sire with this 100th individual Group 1 winner.
French raider Dare To Dream and Epsom Oaks third War Chimes are others to consider with Port Fairy for the placings.
Across the Irish Sea in Berkshire, Newbury racecourse hosts the Gr3 Fidelity Energy Hackwood Stakes (16h00). A competitive event sees 10 sprinters contest over 6-furlongs, with Kings Stand runner-up Regional the marginal 5/2 favourite.
He has his chance but takes on three-year-olds Elite Status, Lake Forest and James’s Delight who all receive a 5lb age-allowance. That should swing it their way, and course and distance winner Elite Status from the Karl Burke stable looks best of the trio.
The opener should go the way of the Shadwell operation who have both Alyanaabi and Al Aasy in the Listed Get Best Odds Guaranteed At BetVictor Steventon Stakes (14h50).
Alyanaabi can make good use of the 9lbs he receives from his elders on his first attempt over ten-furlongs. A smart two-year-old, he was fourth to Notable Speech in the 2,000 Guineas. Retained rider Jim Crowley rides.
