Song For The Queen In Irish Oaks

Classic action returns to the Curragh on Saturday with the Irish Oaks taking centre stage and it’s a race to look for some value.

Song For The Queen
Even Song impressed when winning the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and represents connections that always have to be feared in any Group One, let alone an Irish Classic, but the Irish Oaks has got used to going for export and a best priced 14/1…

Harlequeen is a British-raider that is worth being on the right side of.

Even Song is now 4/6 and drifting all the time with Leon Blanche of BoyleSports suggesting that he may even go off Evens, but that still doesn’t make a lot of appeal. She’s a good filly, of that there is no doubt, and maybe she will be as impressive as her stable companion, Minding, was at Epsom, but Harlequeen looks an improving type.

Mick Channon (who is 2/3 at the Curragh this season) sends over the filly who was third behind Minding at Epsom and that was only her fourth ever run.
The daughter of Canford Cliffs hasn’t won since winning on debut last year but her efforts in defeat have been admirable and she is quite capable of progressing enough to have a big say in this.

Small But Select
Only seven runners go to post for the Sapphire Stakes at 4.05 but what a cracking little race it is for a Group 2. With three Group 1 winners lining up there is plenty of intrigue to it and it would appear conditions will be ideal for Mecca’s Angel.

However, I suggested a little fiver each-way on Sole Power last week

…and he was definitely unlucky in running in the July Cup and I’ll be siding with the nine-year-old to return to winning ways and prove a very popular visitor to the winners enclosure for trainer Eddie Lynam.

Ladies Day
The Ladies Derby has attracted a competitive field…

but Modem would look to be the one to beat

…for the mother and daughter combination of Jessica and Kate Harrington. The six-year-old won the big amateur handicap at Galway last year and a return to Ballybrit could well be on the cards this month but prior to that she is just picked to get the better of Udogo for the brother and sister combination of Joseph and Sarah O’Brien.

Recommended Bets:
Sole Power – 4.05 Curragh (5/1)
Harlequeen – 5.45 Curragh (14/1)
Modem – 6.20 Curragh (4/1)