Punters predict Ouija Board for victory

Vodafone Oaks heroine Ouija Board is a hot favourite to see off her six rivals when she lines up for the Irish equivalent at the Curragh on Sunday.

Ed Dunlop’s charge is a 4-6 chance with Paddy Power to emulate Ramruma, who completed the Epsom/Curragh Oaks double in 1999, and will be trying to become the sixth filly to do so in the last 25 years.

The daughter of Cape Cross will renew rivalry with the pair who chased her home at Epsom – All Too Beautiful and Punctilious – in the Darley-sponsored Classic while John Oxx will saddle Group Three winner Hazarista.

Jim Bolger runs recent Haydock third Danelissima while Aidan O’Brien’s second string Royal Tigress and the maiden Marinnette complete the field.

O’Brien’s All Too Beautiful is rated as the main danger at 3-1 and was unbeaten in two starts heading into Epsom but has not raced since going down by seven lengths to Ouija Board.

Punctilious was a further three and a half lengths adrift on that occasion but has since put up a brave performance to deny Sahool in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot.

Oxx’s charge Hazarista was only beaten a length on her debut this term but has gone on to notch up a double and will be tackling the mile-and-a-half trip for the first time this weekend.

Danelissima, last seen when a fast-finishing third in the Lancashire Oaks, has been heavily campaigned this term having raced on six occasions and managed to see off Summitville at Naas last month.

Royal Tigress has finished out of the frame on her three starts since landing the Leopardstown 1000 Guineas Trial in April while Marinnette takes a massive jump in class having only raced in handicap company so far.

Darley Irish Oaks betting:

Paddy Power: 4-6 Ouija Board, 3-1 All Too Beautiful, 4-1 Punctilious, 16-1 Danelissima, 25-1 Hazarista, 50-1 Royal Tigress, 200-1 Marinnette.