Cross waits for Curragh date
Rising Cross is likely to tackle the Darley Irish Oaks on Sunday week after connections decided to bypass the bet365 Lancashire Oaks at Haydock on Saturday.
Connections of the three-year-old are set to supplement her for the Curragh race after she finished second to Alexandrova in the Vodafone Oaks on her penultimate start.
Although Rising Cross endured a tough race in the Italian Oaks at San Siro last time out, trainer John Best revealed the daughter of Cape Cross could have still taken her chance at Haydock.
“We are probably going to the Irish Oaks instead,” he said.
“She’s fine after Italy but, having spoken to (owner) Gary Tanaka, he wanted to go for the Irish race instead.
“She would have been fine to run this weekend but he wanted to leave it a little longer.”
Epsom third Short Skirt, who already holds an entry in the Irish equivalent, has also been taken out of the extended one-mile-three-furlong event at the Merseyside venue.
The Group Two contest has still attracted a fair turnout, however, with nine runners set to go to post.
Jimmy Fortune has won the Lancashire Oaks for the last two years with Pongee (2004) and Playful Act (2005) and looks to hold solid claims again with Power Girl.
Paul Cole’s four-year-old took the Listed Warwickshire Oaks by a short-head under Jamie Spencer last time out.
Fortune has never partnered the filly but is excited about his chances of registering a memorable hat-trick aboard the German-bred runner.
“She looks an exciting filly and we go there with a chance,” said the jockey. “It certainly looks a winnable race now though.
“I like the Ed Dunlop filly (Alessandria) and I’ve ridden Innocent Air before and I know she’s good.
“I’ve got to have a chance and it will be a nice story to get the treble up in the race.”
Rae Guest’s Guilia makes her first appearance since finishing fifth at Epsom and will be ridden for the first time by Kevin Darley.
“She ran a good race in the Oaks but probably wasn’t suited by the track so I think Haydock will suit her better,” said Darley.
“I haven’t sat on her yet but it’s a really good ride and I’m hoping for a big run.
“She’s still very inexperienced and I’d say she should come on for that Epsom run, fingers crossed.”
Luca Cumani saddles Princess Nada, who has won her two starts in decisive fashion this term – with the last success yielding Listed honours at Newbury in June.
“It’s a step up from a Listed to a Group race but let’s hope she can take it in her stride,” declared Cumani.
“It was a good run (at Newbury) but this is a better-class race so we will have to see.
“I’d like to think we have a chance anyway.”
Chepstow winner Allegretto represents Stoute’s yard instead of Short Skirt, while Play Me, third behind Power Girl at Warwick last time out, also takes her chance for Peter Chapple-Hyam.
Local Spirit, trained by Clive Brittain, and Eoghan O’Neill’s Marachi Band complete the line-up.
