Magic Wand can make most of fast conditions in Irish Oaks
Nine the last 14 runnings of the Darley Irish Oaks have gone for export but all five which have been kept at home have been done so by trainer Aidan O’Brien, whose haul of five winners leaves him just one shy of the record currently held by Michael Stoute.
With three off the seven runners in today’s, O’Brien has strong claims of equalling that record and can do so with the Ryan Moore-ridden Magic Wand.
When winning the Cheshire Oaks in May, she beat stable-companion Forever Together by three and a half lengths, but that rival had no luck in running that day and reversed the form when the two contested the Epsom Oaks.
That may suggest Forever Together is the better filly, but it seems clear Magic Wand didn’t cope with the soft conditions that day, something which seemed to be borne out when the latter ran away with the Ribblesdale on fast ground at Royal Ascot.
Conditions will be quick this evening and she can continue her progressive way by reaffirming her superiority over the Epsom heroine.
The overseas challenge relies on Willie Haggas’ Sea Of Class, who looked very smart in winning listed races on her last two starts.
This is a significant step up and she may need more time and experience to breakthrough at the top level.
Winner Takes Itall was very unlucky not to make a winning debut just three weeks ago at this venue, and he can gain compensation by taking the finale, the Hanlon Concrete Maiden.
That race was over a mile and he tackles an extra half-mile this evening, but his breeding says it is what he needs.
Out of a half-sister to former Irish and English Derby and Prix de l’Arc winner Sinndar, Joseph O’Brien’s runner looks a smashing prospect and can take this en route to group company. The most interesting of his rivals is newcomer Falcon Eight, a close relative to Free Eagle.
On tomorrow’s card at The Curragh, Cliffs Of Dooneen can follow up his debut success when he contests the Killashee Handicap.
An opening mark of 97 is stiff enough for a once-raced runner, but he looked potentially very smart that day and left the impression the step up to two miles would bring out improvement.
He takes on some experienced sorts but can prove different class.
Vivianite can take the following race, the Kildare Post & Kildare Now Fillies’ Maiden, for trainer Michael Halford.
She hasn’t enjoyed much luck in running this season and was too keen for her own good last time, but the form of that runner-up finish behind Rionach received a real boost when the winner followed up in great style earlier this week in Killarney.
Today’s race may be high on numbers but it looks short on genuine contenders, and she can get off the mark at the expense of Park Bloom. Support for newcomer Ancestral would be worth noting.
Facethepuckout can get off the mark on his handicap debut in the Victoria Racing Club Trophy Nursery.
The Joseph O’Brien-trained colt posted his best effort to date when a close fourth last time and will appreciate the slightly longer trip.
He receives 14lbs from standard-setter Evasive Power, and that can make all the difference.
There is an all-chasing seven-race programme tomorrow at Tipperary, and Classic Theatre can take the Packie Downey Memorial Rated Novice Chase.
Henry De Bromhead’s mare ran very well but ran as though she needed the run and the experience when fourth on her chasing debut and seasonal return last month at Clonmel.
She stepped up considerably on that effort when posting a facile success last time, in Limerick, and tomorrow’s race looks a good stepping stone to better things.
