Grace sets Oaks target

Rosa Grace is set to step up in grade for a crack at the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh on July 13, providing the ground is riding fast.

Rae Guest’s filly earned her crack at the Group One prize when staying on well in Listed company to see off Melodramatic last time, having previously finished third at Goodwood behind subsequent Ribblesdale winner Michita.

Guest said: “She’s fine and she’s going to run in the Irish Oaks next month as long as the ground is firm or good to firm.

“I put her in the Yorkshire Oaks and hopefully she’ll run a big race in Ireland and then we’ll have the option of stepping up a gear at York.

“She was impressive last time. She obviously needed her first run back at Goodwood when a good horse beat her that day and she improved from that.”

Guest bagged the Yorkshire Oaks in 1997 with My Emma and admits he would love to win the big race on the Knavesmire once again, with Rosa Grace expected to see out the mile-and-a-half trip well.

“I don’t think the 12 furlongs will be a problem as she seems to stay very well,” Guest added. “The owner is keen to have a go at the Irish Oaks with her and I’m keen to try to win the Yorkshire Oaks again.”