Black Barracuda on course for Derby glory
Blueview Rio, the 7-1 long odds favourite to take the €40,000 prize, went out very tamely to the 16-1 chance Tellmemorelies, who came from behind to have a five lengths advantage for the turn.
Then in the following course there was another major surprise when Furey Mills, a 50-1 chance before coursing, put paid to another top fancy - Potrane Ash (10-1) - when holding on by a length.
Earlier Newinn Whisper (10-1) was beaten five lengths by the 40-1 outsider Kilara Cuban, who clocked a fast time in the process.
Other fancied contenders to make an exit were Needham Ridge and Crafty Tonino. Needham Ridge led on the run up against Killucan Ralph but was then injured, with the latter getting the flag in a course in which there was no turn.
Crafty Tonino was just mounting a challenge to Bower Wonder when the pair bumped, forcing Crafty Tonino to lose his stride and at the turn he was a length down.
There were a few upsets also in the Horse And Jockey Hotel Oaks, the biggest being the defeat of much fancied Banba Be Lucky, a 10-1 chance who went out to 66-1 outsider, Chochtaw Squaw.
Astana Rubie was the outsider in her course with Glenlough Dixie but the former led all the way for a three lengths success.
Other minor surprises included Carozza going out to Free And Easy, Killucan Winnie overcoming Donegal Tina and Accessibility eliminating Barbican Pride.
Black Barracuda won well yesterday and may be the one to finally give Michael O’Donovan that elusive Derby success while in the Oaks, Skellig Jewel looks like she will take plenty of beating.
