Irish Oaks Weekend Preview

The Irish Oaks takes centre stage on Saturday in what looks a fascinating renewal.

1.50 Newbury – BetVictor Stakes (Listed)
Al Aasy makes his seasonal reappearance, just as he did last year when storming to success in this 12 months ago. If successful once again, he will join Poet as the joint-oldest winner of the race. However, if Regal Reality wins, Sir Michael Stoute’s charge will blitz that record. The Shadwell silks have a remarkable record in this and ALYANAABI, the choice of Jim Crowley, can add to that record. Fourth in the Guineas followed by a credible run behind Rosallion last time out should see him go very close on his first start over ten furlongs.

2.25 Newbury – Mettal UK Handicap (Class 2)
Naqeeb could bring a quickfire double for the Shadwell silks should he get back to winning ways but on his first step up to the marathon distance, there are solid reasons to take him on. KYLE OF LOCHALSH, who most certainly will stay, was narrowly denied on his first start over this sort of trip in last month’s Ascot stakes. That experience should see him run well and Hollie Doyle aboard is a further plus. Of the others, Oneforthegutter can run well at an each-way price and should stay given his tendency to finish his races off strongly.

2.40 Market Rasen – Unibet Daily Industry Best Prices Summer Handicap Hurdle (Class 2)
As wide open as you can get for this year’s renewal and plenty in here arriving on the back of success. After edging out Quaresome in a thrilling tussle last month, Chaos Control looks to give his supporters another brilliant day out and a three-pound rise looks manageable. There are, however, plenty of dangers and Olly Murphy’s VOCITO won with any amount in hand at Worcester last time out. The team at Warren Chase are in fantastic form and with Sean Bowen booked, a good run is on the cards. At a wild price, Pisgah Pike can outrun his odds back at a course he seems to always run well and reappears four pounds better off than his success in this race 12 months ago.

3.00 Newbury – Fidelity Energy Hackwood Stakes (Group 3)
This is a big drop-in class for Ed Bethell’s REGIONAL (NAP) who was taken out of last weekend’s July Cup due to unsuitable ground. He was last seen battling it out with Australian raider Asfoora in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot and given his solid credentials, it’s very hard to oppose him. Elite Status will look to give him a battle after getting back to winning ways over course and distance in May whilst Diligent Harry will look to bring up the hat-trick.

3.15 Market Rasen – Unibet Summer Plate Handicap Chase (Premier Handicap)
Market Rasen’s feature sees Soul Icon head the market following a string of second place finishes in good company. Despite being winless after six attempts over fences, Keiran Burke’s runner always runs his race and should again do so. However, the Bowen’s have a particular interest in this race and I think the old boy, FRANCKY DU BERLAIS could be overlooked. He will be racing off a featherweight after his dropping handicap mark and two good runs at Perth and Cartmel, should put him spot on for Saturday. Sure Touch who reappears after a short break for a yard in terrific form, and must be respected also.

3.40 Curragh – Juddmonte Irish Oaks (Group 1)
PORT FAIRY was a very game-winner of the Ribblesdale when last seen on the track, getting back up close home to chin Lava Stream. The Curragh should once again play to Aidan O’Brien’s filly’s strengths, and she can take this. Willie Mullins could saddle an exciting prospect in Lope De Lilas who produced a brilliant display when winning a Leopardstown maiden in May. She has plenty of potential, but this may just come too soon. Roger Varian’s Ejaabiyah would be interesting if she turned up here given her trainer’s good record when sending his horses over to Ireland. She was a good second in a warm Newbury maiden before bolting up last time out so must be respected.