Irish Oaks tips: Curragh – Eamonn Hames’ top betting preview for TODAY

CURRAGH

3.45

THIS will be fast and furious and that should play right into the hands of ST BRELADES BAY.

Jessica Harrington’s six-year-old loves it here at the Curragh and has been reported to be in the form of his life by his shrewd trainer.

He may have disappointed here last time, but that came plenty quick enough after his hard fought win at Gowran Park and he has had ample time to be freshened up for this since.

A six furlong sprinter with the stamina to win over seven furlongs - the extended six furlongs he gets here in the Scurry could prove to be his optimum.

Breaking out of stall 12 is another huge plus and he should take the world of beating off a lovely racing weight.

Top-weight Ardhoomey has his ground and and should be in the mix - even with his welter burden of 10 stone. UK raider Ice Age usually finds this mark beyond him and Ballydoyle’s Full Moon is potentially drawn away from the action.

It would not be a huge surprise if Atlas went close given his run style, but True Blue Moon and the fast-finishing Master Speaker look the biggest threats from their good draws.

IRISH OAKS CARD All the latest runners, riders and odds for the Irish Oaks at the Curragh

4.20

A small but select field for the Anglesey Stakes and an ideal opportunity for JUST WONDERFUL to make amends for her Royal Ascot flop.

Aidan O’Brien has dominated the recent history of this Group 3 contest with four wins in the last five years and he will be disappointed if this filly fails to do the business.

She looked above average when making a winning debut here in May, she was strongly supported when sent off favourite for the Albany Stakes and there is no doubt that she is right at the top of the pecking order at Ballydoyle.

Ascot probably came too soon for her after just the one run beforehand and connections would not be running her here if she wasn’t ready to go.

She faces a really nice prospect in the shape of Viadera, who made a taking impression here on debut.

Stablemate Fantasy lacks a touch of class, the maidens Gee Rex and Cruciatus are both likely to struggle and the experienced Marie’s Diamond is priced up on his second in what looks an average Railway Stakes.

4.55

IT’s time to celebrate ST PATRICK’S DAY in the Minstrel Stakes — even if it is a little late.

Aidan O’Brien’s US import is the full brother to Triple Crown hero American Pharoah, so connections will be hoping he can continue to progress by winning this Group 2 contest.

He shaped with plenty of promise here when third over a mile despite being weak enough in the betting and a more aggressive ride down a furlong in trip could see him return to winning ways.

Stablemate Hence disappointed at Listed level last time and Smash Williams would prefer a bit of cut in the ground, so the minor places should be filled by the UK raiders.

The consistent Larchmont Lad boasts the better recent form, but So Beloved ran a cracker when second in last year’s renewal and he can occupy the same position here again behind another Ballydoyle winner.

5.30

LET there be Magic in today’s Irish Oaks. Trainer Aidan O’Brien knows exactly what is required to win Classics at the Curragh and he can land his sixth victory in this with the help of MAGIC WAND.

The Galileo filly has really blossomed this season - improving from a maiden third on debut to winning a Cheshire Oaks and a Ribblesdale.

Quick ground is very important to her and current conditions at the Curragh could not be any faster.

She did run below herself when fourth in the Epsom Oaks, but that is easily excused given the ground that day and she has since overturned the form with the second in clear-cut style at Royal Ascot.

She may be a skinny price now, but she has a high cruising speed, a fantastic change of gear and is clearly the one to beat if this hasn’t come too soon after her Ribblesdale win.

Stablemate Forever Together has a bit to prove after being well beaten in a very weak Pretty Polly.

She looked to have solidified her place as the best of the Ballydoyle fillies when romping home in the Epsom Oaks, but clearly failed to back that up when a well beaten favourite here on Derby weekend.

The drop back to ten furlongs may not have been ideal in hindsight for such a strong staying filly, but her performance that day was in stark contrast to her soft ground Oaks win and she may need a bit of cut in the ground to be at her best.

One who will love the ground is the UK raider Sea Of Class. Willie Haggas’ filly has only faced Listed opposition to date, but she is hugely progressive and bred to relish a test of stamina.

Her Newbury win over the Coolmore owned Athena has obviously been franked, but she is some way down the pecking order at Ballydoyle, so O’Brien will be confident he has the Haggas filly covered.

Of the rest Ballydoyle third string Bye Bye Baby likes it here, but lacks that real touch of quality, Mary Tudor has stamina doubts, Romiyna lacks experience and Joseph O’Brien has already caused a shock in the Irish Derby this year, but it would be an even bigger shock if Tissiak could repeat the feat in the Oaks.

CURRAGH

2.35 Western Australia

3.10 Ambassadorial

3.45 St Brelades Bay (nb)

4.20 Just Wonderful

4.55 St Patrick's Day (nap)

5.30 Magic Wand

6.05 Minnie Dahill

6.40 Frankincense