Ouija Board odds-on to complete Oaks double
Ed Dunlop's filly, brilliant winner of the Vodafone Oaks at Epsom, was supplemented for the Darley-sponsored equivalent yesterday at a cost of €40,000.
And she is set to renew rivalry with runner-up All Too Beautiful and third Punctilious after a total of 11 stood their ground at the five-day stage, including Sahool and Rave Reviews.
However, French raider Alfreda is thought to have been left in by mistake.
Ouija Board delighted connections when working under big-race jockey Kieren Fallon yesterday morning.
The daughter of Cape Cross enjoyed a six-furlong spin on the Cambridge Road and moved nicely clear of her lead horse.
Dunlop said: "I'm as happy now as I was going to Epsom.
"That can obviously change on a daily basis, but she seems in good form. Kieren's happy with her and that's good enough for me."
The lively pipe-opener was only the third time Ouija Board has worked since her magnificent seven-length triumph on June 4. But Dunlop explained that she is not a filly who requires a heavy workload.
He said: "She is a big girl just over 16 hands still immature and probably not the most robust filly in the world, so it's not like she needs to do a huge amount of work.
"I think she grew after Epsom. The first couple of weeks I thought her coat just dulled off a little. She was given a mid-season flu vaccination, which we give to all the horses. But the last two or three weeks we've been very happy with her. She's very fresh out at exercise."
Frankie Dettori believes Punctilious can close the 10-length gap on Ouija Board from Epsom.
She has since won the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and the in-form Italian is expecting a big run at the weekend.
"She didn't handle Epsom at all and she is better going right-handed," Dettori told At The Races. "She's never worked brilliantly at home but she looks well.
"I would say the distance she got beat at Epsom was a little bit flattering.
"I think she is a little bit better than that, like she showed in the Ribblesdale.
"Ouija Board is very good and was impressive at Epsom. But it's a Group One and why not take our chance?"
Darley Irish Oaks, Cashmans bet: 8-11 Ouija Board, 7-2 All Too Beautiful, 4-1 Punctilious, 16-1 Sahool, 20-1 Hazarista, 25-1 Danelissima, Rave Reviews, 66-1 La Ina, Royal Tigress, 250-1 Marinnette.
