Maireads Fantasy can give Black a second Oaks success

THE stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the Sporting Press Irish Oaks at Shelbourne Park tonight. The competition has been one of the best in memory and this evening’s decider certainly has the making of a real thriller.

Two finalists carry unbeaten records into tonight’s decider with one of the pair, Maireads Fantasy certain to start a warm favourite after a stunning display in last weekend’s semi finals. In victory, the daughter of Premier Fantasy posted 28.26, in turn becoming the fastest bitch ever to cover the 525yd trip at the famous Ringsend circuit.

It was a truly awesome performance and should she repeat it this evening, victory would almost certainly come her way. Such is the high quality of tonight’s line up that she may need to reproduce that run. Indeed any mistakes at trap rise could cost her victory with Another Issue, Lady Glenard and Skywalker Queen all likely to go up fast.