A Lackluster Classic at the Curragh
Despite Aidan O’Brien’s efforts to maintain a positive outlook on the Curragh and promote the virtues of Irish racing, it’s hard to ignore the underwhelming nature of this year’s Classic at headquarters. The Juddmonte Irish Oaks (3.40) at the Kildare track has once again failed to deliver the high-quality competition that fans have come to expect.
The race features just seven runners in a €500,000 contest, with Minnie Hauk as the only one among them who has tasted victory recently. As the red-hot favorite, she is expected to dominate the field, but the lack of strong competition makes the event feel somewhat lackluster.
Ryan Moore’s mount is aiming to become the 16th filly to achieve the Epsom-Curragh Oaks double, a feat that would require an extraordinary upset. However, the absence of overseas raiders further diminishes the excitement, as these international competitors often add a layer of unpredictability and interest to the race.
Since 1999, fifteen foreign-trained horses have claimed victory in the Irish Oaks, but their absence this time around should make it easier for Minnie Hauk to secure her place in history. Her form following the Epsom success has been impressive, with the runner-up, Whirl, going on to win the Group One Pretty Polly Stakes. This bodes well for Minnie Hauk’s chances, although the odds are heavily stacked against any other contender.
Minnie Hauk is currently offered at around 1/6, making this a highly competitive betting market. She aims to follow in the footsteps of legendary fillies like Ouija Board (2004), Snow Fairy (2010), and Enable (2017). Aidan O’Brien’s stable has four runners in the race, but this does little to generate additional interest.
The most plausible surprise could come from Wemightakedlongway, who carries just 6lbs more than the market leader on official ratings. Joseph O’Brien’s horse was responsible for the only defeat of Minnie Hauk’s four-race career when they met in Cork last October. However, since then, Wemightakedlongway has struggled, finishing fourth behind Minnie Hauk at Epsom and again in the Pretty Polly Stakes. It seems unlikely that she will challenge the favorite this time around.
Other Races at the Curragh
The Group Two Gain Railway Stakes (2.35), which was controversially moved from its traditional spot on Irish Derby day, also lacks the usual flair. With just four runners and only three trainers represented, the race feels underwhelming. Aidan O’Brien’s True Love is looking to become the first filly to win this event since Camargo in 1998. Ryan Moore is set to ride the daughter of No Nay Never after her stylish victory in the Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.
While there are several other pattern races to watch over the weekend, the standout bet of the meeting might be Glen To Glen, trained by Joseph O’Brien. He showed promise when finishing fourth in a Royal Ascot handicap on his debut for the Kilkenny trainer. With a rating of 90, there is potential for improvement from Browne McMonagle’s mount.
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