Horse & Jockey Hotel Irish Coursing Oaks 2018 Preview

Ahead of the upcoming Horse & Jockey Hotel Irish Coursing Oaks we bring you everything you need to know for the 2018 edition!

Amys Hero (Razor Ashmore-Amys View) April – R/U Kilflynn
Gets her place in the Oaks instead of Ballymac Meena. Only appeared out once since running up in Kilflynn, reached the second round in Ballyduff. Three further qualifiers in the shape of Blades Of Honour, Three Paddys and Killimor Belle have since come out of the trial stake in Kilflynn.

Magpie Delight (Newinn Wonder-Ballyverry River) May – Liscannor
Likely to be one of the outsiders when they go to post for on the 10th February, but should, on breeding relish the hill. Her dam, Ballyverry River, reached the semi-finals of the 2015 Kitty Butler, whilst her grand-dam, Chubbys Accord, divided the 2007 Oaks.

Silent Wonder (Newinn Wonder-Silent Belle) February – Glin
Has been favourite for the Oaks since her impressive showing at Glin. She hasn’t appeared since, connections clearly keen to keep their powder dry in advance of the National Meeting. She will take a lot of stopping and gives the Nolan clan an extremely strong hand in both puppy classics.

Central Glamour (Blueview Sam-Central Stardust) March – Ennis/Clarecastle
A Duffy home-bred, she collected at the first time of asking in the Banner County. She has since run twice in all-aged company, her best showing at her local meeting at East Donegal when beaten by Champion Stakes-qualifier, Do It Chubbys, in the semi-final.

Ballybeg Hanna (Adios Alonso-Granard Storm) January – Regional
The first leg of a litter double at Regional, with her litter-brother, Granard Flash, taking the Derby TS. They hail from arguably the litter of the year as they will be joined in Powerstown Park by their siblings, Granard Bolt and Granard Breeze. Will need to improve, but every chance given her pedigree.

Elegant Dame (Newinn Wonder-Central Heroine) January – Westmeath Utd
Went into quite a few notebooks following her impressive showing in the Midlands. Her dam won back-to-back Select Bitch Stakes at the Irish Cup meeting. Given that she is owned by Noreen McManus and top clockman, Martin McDaid, she could well be the a market mover on opening morning.

Manley Flight (Adios Alonso-Lineroad Bonita) March – Tradaree
A grand-daughter of 2011 Grace Bruton Champion Bitch Stake-winner, Class Attraction, she won at the first time of asking. Will need to step up considerably as she has been beaten twice since, in all-aged company at Newcastlewest and the Corn Na Feile Oaks at Abbeyfeale.

Please Babe (Razor Ashmore-Chubbys Havana) March – Cashel
Another who has appeared twice since collecting her Oaks ticket. Beaten on both occasions in the semi-finals by the eventual winners. Firstly, in the all-aged bitch stake at Nenagh (Legally Brindle) and then the Champion Puppy Stake at Mooncoin by Bluehill Heather. Could be a lively outsider.

Three Paddys (Adios Alonso-Blades Of Glory) May – Fermoy
The Barry Lynch-trained black collected her ticket at the second time of asking. She made the trip to Johnstown & Urlingford for the all-aged bitch stake and won her opening buckle, however, she was an absentee on the second morning. Given her breeding, she could well be a dark horse.

Blades Of Honour (Adios Alonso-Blades Of Glory) May – Loughrea
Beat her sister, Three Paddys, in the second-round in Kilflynn, before finding Ballymac Meena too hot to handle in the third-round. She scored next time out in Loughrea and clocked up well in the opening two rounds of the Corn Na Feile Oaks, before her semi-final defeat by the eventual winner. Looks a leading contender.

Brownes Cross (Vale View Flyer-Uptown Rosie) April – Abbeydorney
Collected at the first time of asking at Abbeydorney, and the form is standing up well, with four further qualifiers coming out of that trial-stake. Further improvement will be required if she is to be competitive in Clonmel as she was easily led in the first-round of the Corn Na Feile Oaks.

Mad Decision (Timber House-Mad Moment) June – Edenderry
Clocked well at Edenderry and is a litter-sister of joint-Derby favourite, Outoftheshadow. The strength of her trial-stake form could mean she outruns her big odds, especially her second-round beating of subsequent Johnstown & Urlingford qualifier, Adios Blonde. Her dam, Mad Moment, collected an Oaks TS at Mitchelstown in November 2015.

Bluehill Heather (Adios Alonso-Clerihan Misty) June – Crohane & Killenaule
Having taken her trial-stake on the tough Crohane & Killenaule stretch, she followed up over the festive period with victory in Mooncoin’s Champion Puppy Stake. In spite of her unbeaten run of eight courses, she will still be an outsider when she goes to slips for her first-round buckle.

Nothing Fancy (Adios Alonso-Winter Watch) June – Charleville
A semi-finalist at Liscannor on the opening weekend, she found the necessary improvement to collect at the second time of asking. Her defeated semi-final opponent at Charleville, Hows Mrs Foley, has further boosted the form by scoring at Abbeyfeale. Who would bet against the North County Cork meeting providing back-to-back Oaks winners?

Goodbye Girl (Coolavanny Bingo-Adios Belle) April – Thurles
The solitary Oaks qualifier for the 2016 Derby-winner, Coolavanny Bingo. She is a half-sister of last year’s Oaks quarter-finalist, Try Colour, and her dam is a litter-sister of the 2013 Oaks-heroine, Smart Ali. Given her proven Powerstown pedigree, the hill should hold no fears.

Junction Jill (Thomas The Tank-Marshals Duchess) March – Miltown-Malbay
A first-round exit at Loughrea, proved a blessing in disguise as she scored nine days later at Miltown-Malbay. Beaten in the first-round of the Corn Na Feile Oaks, by the subsequent runner-up, Cill Ide Bliss. She’ll need to find considerable improvement to be involved at the business end.

Flagfield Alonso (Adios Alonso-Flagfield Dash) January – Ballingar
She scored at the first time of asking, in what has proven one of the strongest trial-stakes of the season with six further qualifiers coming from the Co Offaly meet. Since beaten by Try Colour in the all-aged bitch-stake at Knockgraffon, she should provide her Belfast connections with a decent run.

Wiseguy Nora (Blueview Sam-Turning Pace) April – Freshford
Trained by Paudie Lyons, she won a reserve Oaks trial-stake at Ballyheigue, back in October, before securing her full ticket a month later. She has since surrendered her unbeaten record with defeat in the second round of the Corn Na Feile Oaks.

Share The Dream (Adios Alonso-Class Attraction) June – Limerick City
Immediately went towards the head of the betting following an impressive showing at Limerick City. She should relish the hill as a daughter of 2011 Champion Bitch Stake-winner and Bitch of the Year, Class Attraction. Trained by the shrewd Con Guiney, for his grand-daughter, Clara, she is definitely one for the shortlist.

Space Trend (Newinn Wonder-Uptown Diva) March – New Ross
Formerly known as Newinn All Brown, she qualified at the first time of asking. She clocked faster than the Derby dogs and was on a par with the all-aged bitch stake-winner and Champion Stakes-qualifier, Kingsmill Ariel. Hard to find fault with her form and is worthy of her lofty position in the betting.

Ohtherenellie (Newinn Wonder-Killahys Babe) February – Galway & Oranmore
Failed to figure in her opening two outings before reaching the third-round at Ballinagar. She finally emulated the achievement of her dam, the 2012 Johnstown & Urlingford qualifier, when claiming her Powerstown pass at the fourth time of asking. A big outsider.

Woodlands Roisin (Adios Alonso-Snowys Babe) May – Waterford
A tough cookie, who had to do it the hard way, winning all four courses on the same day as a result of Waterford running a one-day meeting. She had three previous outings and has since been beaten in the first-round of the Champion Puppy Stake at Mooncoin.

Ballymeelishnell (Adios Alonso-Carrowclough) March – Nenagh
A semi-finalist at Thurles on debut, remaining in the Premier County, she scored next time out. Her dam won an Oaks TS at Rathkeale in 2014 and produced one of last season’s talking dogs, Away Razor (by Razor Ashmore) in her first litter. Could prove one of the livelier outsiders.

Ballymore Lucy (Adios Alonso-Simtam) January – Co Carlow
Another who featured in the Thurles Oaks trial-stake, she reached the second round. She scored next time out and that form received a boost when her quarter-final victim, Central Maid took the reserve Oaks TS at the second East Donegal meeting. Trained by Dessie Kerrigan, for the O’Sullivan family.

Southwind Nell (Newinn Wonder-Sullane Rogue) May – Cappoquin
A lucky trial-stake for the line, as her grand-dam, Sullane Sign, collected the same ticket on her way to Oaks glory in 2008. Coincidentally, like her Oaks-winning grand-dam, she too is quoted at 40/1 for outright honours, so could lightning strike twice for her Macroom-based handler, James Kelleher?

Billistown Judy (Vale View Flyer-Moonveen Eve) March – Dungannon
An unlucky first-round casualty from the Corn Na Feile Oaks, when distracted by a crow. She had collected her Oaks ticket at the third time of asking following early departures at Westmeath Utd and Ballinagar. One of the outsiders for outright glory.

Bellinter Kerry (Newinn Wonder-Blue From Kerry) June – Cavan
Qualified at the first time of asking and has the pedigree to run the hill, as her dam is a half-sister of 2015 Oaks runner-up, Leigh Snowie. An outsider that deserves some respect, hailing as she does from the kennel of Derby and Oaks-winning trainer, Dessie Kerrigan.

Graigues Legacy (Newinn Wonder-Crossbound) March – Old Kilcullen
Trained by last year’s Derby-winning trainer, Gerry Holian, this lady went to the last eight in Castleisland, before collecting her Oaks ticket. Confirmed herself as a leading hope for outright honours when scoring impressively in the Corn Na Feile Oaks. A leading fancy.

Bankers Hill (Adios Alonso-Sonadora) March – Ardpatrick & Kilfinane
Beaten first go in Ennis/Clarecastle, what a difference a week made, as she turned out eight days later and ran-up the reserve final at Ballyheigue. She clocked consistently throughout and could well prove one of the smarter outsiders.

Cill Ide Bliss (Newinn Wonder-Barrack Eile) March – Clonmel & Kilsheelan
Silver in the Corn Na Feile Oaks was her second runner-up berth of the season, having reached the Regional trial-stake final before claiming her Powerstown ticket. Will need to find further improvement, but giving her Abbeyfeale-based connections plenty of sport.

Bridewell Kit (Adios Alonso-Sonadora) March – Ballyduff
She hasn’t ventured outside the Kingdom in her two runs to-date. She was beaten by the Corn Na Feile Oaks-winner in the third-round at Castleisland, before securing qualification for her Lixnaw owners and is trained by Tralee’s John Moynihan.

Gone To Town (Adios Alonso-Rosie The Rascal) February – Listowel
Handled by Gerard Curtin, she is another who hasn’t left the Kingdom for competitive action. This lady is blessed with a proven Powerstown pedigree, as her dam’s siblings include 2015 Derby runner-up, Portane All In and 2016 Champion Bitch Stake-winner, Tobar Na Molt.

The Other Tessa (Newinn Wonder-The Other Niamh) April – Knockgraffon
Reached the third-round at Crohane & Killenaule, before a second-round exit at Co Carlow; where her dam had won a duffer four years earlier. Owned and trained by Jennifer O’Donnell, this lady already has an Oaks winning pedigree, as her grand-dam won the track equivalent in 2009, before claiming the Dundalk International.

Cobra Angel (Bexhill Eoin-Annual Time) July – Enniscorthy
She may well be Wexford-owned, but will have plenty of supporters in the Orchard County, given her connections to the Matthews kennel. She was bred by the legendary, Brendan, and is trained by his son, Paul. Could well go a long way, based on her favourable Model County clocks.

Crafty Sordo (Thomas The Tank-Crafty Pinero) May – Balbriggan
A semi-finalist on debut at Ballingar, she followed that with a surprise first-round exit from the Galway & Oranmore Oaks TS. She got the job done next time out at Balbriggan, before a second-round loss in the Corn Na Feile Oaks. She is a half-sister of the smart Crafty Gonzalo, a quarter-finalist in the 2016 Irish Cup.

Sminky Blonde (Newinn Wonder-Sminky Short) March – Rathcormac
She scored at the second time of asking, following a third-round exit to the subsequent winner on her debut at Mallow. A big outsider, but her pedigree could well see her win a round or two, as a grand-daughter of the 2006 Oaks-heroine, Mountain Guest.

Could Be Queen (Adios Alonso-Winter Watch) June – Rathkeale
Beaten by the Corn Na Feile Oaks runner-up on debut, she ran into the eventual winners on her next two outings. She recorded a deserved win at the fourth time of asking, since that she was a first-round casualty in the Corn Na Feile Oaks and will have to step up considerably if she is to trouble the leading lights.

Allofthelights (Adios Alonso-Skyfullofstars) April – Killimer/Kilrush
Either side of a second-round withdrawal at Miltown-Malbay, she reached semi-finals at Ennis/Clarecastle and Nenagh, before securing her Powerstown ticket. Her winning form given a significant boost since, with the Westport victory of her vanquished final foe, Breska Hi Light.

Duarigle Class (Adios Alonso-Class Attraction) June – R/U Lixnaw
Gets in to the Oaks in place of Killeacle Jackie. Duarigle has had four outings this year reaching two finals in Lixnaw and Macroom, a semi-final in Galbally and 3rd round in Cappoquinn. Will really have to up her game if she is to mix with the leading ladies Clonmel. Breeding suggests she will love the surroundings in Powerstown Park.

Alonso Blonde (Adios Alonso-Live At Two) January – Johnstown & Urlingford
This lady went odds-on after the first-round in Edenderry, before a shock reversal in the second round (beat by winner Mad Decision). She scored at the third time of asking and the form has been franked since with her vanquished first-round foe, Barefoot Magic, since winning twice.

Graces Belle (Kyle Leigh-Floating Spirit) May – Doon
It was a case of third time lucky for the half-sister of 2015 Champion Bitch Stake runner-up, Floating Cove. A rather fortuitous first-round winner of the Corn Na Feile Oaks; she will need to step up considerably.

Foxhollow Lady (Razor Ashmore-Somelittlething) February – East Donegal
Trained by Brendan Matthews, she found considerable improvement from her first three outings, to score at the first Lifford meeting. The form has since got a shot in the arm with the victory of runner-up, Central Maid, at the second meeting on the Greenbrae sod.

Shes Our Diva (Newinn Wonder-Uptown Diva) March – Glanworth
She took silver in the Oaks trial-stake final at Tradaree and then ran into the well-touted, Breska Hi Light, at Killimer-Kilrush, before deservedly collecting her Powerstown pass at the third attempt. Will likely go off at big odds.

Tree Top Abbie (Judicial Affair-See The Sky) May – Rathdowney
Owner, William Lonergan’s main hope of success, will be with the Champion Bitch Stakes qualifier, Tree Top Kerry. The added bonus of an Oaks representative, for the second season running, will provide the Cashel-native with a National Meeting to remember.

Sydney Mo Cara (Adios Alonso-Carrowclough) March – Castletowngeoghegan
Caused an upset when scoring in the midlands, but the runner-up has scored in impressive fashion at Templetuohy, since. Her dam is a litter-sister of 2015 Derby semi-finalist and Irish Cup runner-up, Blades Of Hope. Form and breeding suggest she could outrun her long odds.

Crafty Tamaco (Crafty Hugo-Crafty Sara) May – R/U Westport
This lady hasn’t got a bad card! From four outings she reached two finals (Westport and Fermoy) and one semi-final in Liscannor first time out. Got a late call up but I have no doubt connections will be ready for action. Will have to up her game however if she is to be involved.

Partys On Me (Mafi Magic-All Stressed Out) March – North Kilkenny
A finalist at Edenderry on debut, she followed that with a third round appearance at Knockgraffon. She scored at the third asking and like her dam’s litter-brother, Derby-winner, Feel My Pulse, she is handled by Dan Brassil.

Please Marry Me (Razor Ashmore-Chubbys Havana) March – Dungarvan
She joined her litter-sister, Please Babe, also owned by Jimmy Sweeney and John Mulcahy, when scoring at the third attempt. Prior to booking her, she was beaten by the eventual winner in the semi-finals at Abbeydorney, before taking silver at Listowel.

Sydney Wish (Timber House-Janey Masita) June – Roscommon
Another who secured her passage on her third outing. She provides the Cavan-based McKiernan clan with a second Oaks candidate, Sydney Mo Cara, the other. However, the betting would suggest that this lady is there number one hope.

Killimor Belle (Newinn Wonder-Crossbound) March – Borrisoleigh
Trained by Patrick O’Connor, her best early season form was as an absentee from the third-round at Limerick City, which preceded a fourth-round appearance at Lixnaw. She is a litter-sister of the Corn Na Feile Oaks winner and Derby-qualifier, Rapid Response.

Abbeyglen Hawk (Newinn Wonder-Abbeyglen Gra) June – Cork
Collected her Powerstown ticket, having previously filler the runner-up berth at Ardpatrick & Kilfinane. However, her trial-stake victory wasn’t her first piece of silverware this term, as she had divided the Working Members Stake at Charleville, on her debut.

Heartbeat (Newinn Wonder-Lady Twinkletoes) January – South Clare
Along with Derby qualifiers, Tin Man and Watchman, also trained by Kevin Barry, she provides the husband and wife team of Basil & Bernie Holian, with a third National Meeting qualifier. She clocked favourably in the Banner County and is a half-sister of 2015 Derby semi-finalist, Timber House.

Hows Mrs Foley (Adios Alonso-Blades Of Steel) February – Abbeyfeale
Caused somewhat of a shock when scoring over the festive period, but was nevertheless a deserving winner. Her style of running suggests the Powerstown Hill should pose no problems and with her breeding; she could be an outsider to keep onside.

Yippee Lilly (Newinn Wonder-Loyal Lyric) June – Wexford
Looked a leading player for outright honours at Ballinagar, before running offline, when well clear in the second-round. She made amends in the Model County, over the festive period. Trained by John Martin, she is one to be respected.

Barefoot Magic (Mafi Magic-Barefoot Model) January – Galbally
This lady is a dual trial-stake winner, having taken the reserve qualifier at Newcastlewest, three weeks before bagging her full trial-stake. She is another leading contender for classic glory, from the all-conquering Kevin Barry kennel.

Scaredy Pants (Adios Alonso-Eggmealong) April – Millstreet
Owned by the K&W Coursing Club syndicate, headed by Neil Herbert, this lady has been kept busy with five outings. Victory in the English Invitational Stake at Trim, was sandwiched between semi-final appearances at Crohane & Killenaule and Bandon & Careys Cross.

Loyal Labamba (Newinn Wonder-Loyal Lyric) June – Templetuohy
Her dam scored on the very same Tipperary sod, when victorious in the 2014 renewal of the Premier Cup. Owned, trained and bred by the Donnellys from Stewartstown. She has improved with every outing, and joins her sister, Yippee Lilly, in the draw drum.

Antonia (Adios Alonso-Dublinfourdasher) May – Clonakilty
She had the misfortune to run into the eventual winners at both Castleisland and Abbeyfeale, on her opening two outings. Her dam is a grand-daughter of the 2006 Oaks-heroine, Mountain Guest.

Myleene (Tullamoy Master-Needham Marie) March – R/U Ballymena
Has been held in the highest regard by connections all year. Reached the semi-final on debut in Glin (beat by Silent Wonder). Started favourite everywhere she went after and looked a winner in Kilsheelan but was overturned by CilI Ide Bliss. Reached the final in Ballymena but was forced to withdraw. Gets back into the Oaks as the winner Bexhill Gigi has been withdrawn.

Southofhere (Adios Alonso-Loyal Leader) June – Kilcreevin/Ballymote
A third Donnelly-bred Oaks runner. The youngster was a beaten finalist on debut at Castleisland and subsequently reached the semi-finals at Westport. She is handled by Dan Brassil, for the Seven-Likely-Lads-Syndicate, headed by BoyleSports’ Brian Murphy.

Some Tonic (Adios Alonso-Alva Lil) March – Tubbercurry
Three early exits, followed a strong showing on debut at Ennis/Clarecastle, where she reached the last four, before scoring at the fifth attempt. The hill should hold no fears as a daughter of a Derby winner and an Oaks quarter-finalist from 2015.

Howyamissus (Adios Alonso-Rosie The Rascal) February – Sevenhouses
The extra two weeks should give her time to get over the exertions of the demanding Co Kilkenny sod. She had previously reached the final at Dungarvan, on her third outing and her dam is a litter sister of the 2016 Champion Bitch Stake-winner, Tobar Na Molt.

Clash Chainnaigh (Timber House- Moat Anah) May- Macroom
Didn’t have her first public outing until Mooncoin at Christmas (beat by the winner in the second round in the reserve Oaks trial stake). Looked to come on a tonne from that outing as she looked real professional in Macroom. Duarigle Class was well fancied from the outset of the trial stake but had no answer to Clash Chainnaigh in the final.