*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
The Irish Oaks has been blown wide open after Emily Upjohn, the hot antepost favourite, was declared a non-runner.
The Epsom Oaks second failed to make the trip to the Curragh after the plane due to take her across the Irish Sea was unable to take off from Stansted Airport on Friday.
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That means we’re left with seven runners in Saturday’s 3.45pm at the Curragh, with Jessica Harrington’s Royal Ascot winner Magical Lagoon at the head of the betting and Aidan O’Brien firing three darts as he seeks a record-breaking seventh victory in the race.
You’ll find our handy horse-by-horse guide to the Irish Oaks runners plus an early betting tip from Paddy’s pals at Timeform below. The latest odds can be seen on our snazzy widgets.
Irish Oaks runners
Cairde Go Deo
Trainer: G. M. Lyons Jockey: C. T. Keane Draw: 3
Useful filly. Course winner. Career best when winning 4-runner listed race (11/10) at Leopardstown (12f, good) 44 days ago by length from Boundless Ocean, keeping on well. This is much tougher.
**
Emily Dickinson
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Seamie Heffernan Draw: 2
Lightly-raced winner. Excellent short-head second of 12 to Rosscarbery in Stanerra Stakes at Leopardstown (14f, good, 13/2) 9 days ago, suited by increase in trip. Drop back in distance is unlikely to suit.
***
Emily Upjohn
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Jockey: Non-Runner Draw: 4
NON-RUNNER
*****
Fennela
Trainer: Mrs J. Harrington Jockey: C. D. Hayes Draw: 5
Thrice-raced winner. 11/4 and cheekpieces on for 1st time, won 14-runner maiden at this C&D (good) 45 days ago, kept up to work. Much more required now.
**
History
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: W. M. Lordan Draw: 7
Useful filly. Creditable 3¼ lengths third of 6 to Magical Lagoon in Ribblesdale Stakes (13/2) at Royal Ascot (12f, good to firm) 30 days ago. Not completely dismissed.
***
Magical Lagoon
Trainer: Mrs J. Harrington Jockey: Shane Foley Draw: 8
Promising type. 11/4, career best when winning 6-runner Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot (12f, good to firm) 30 days ago by ½ length from Sea Silk Road. Likeable sort who can do better still, so looks the obvious threat to Emily Upjohn.
****
Show Of Stars
Trainer: P. Twomey Jockey: William James Lee Draw: 1
Useful filly. Last of 3 in minor event (evens) at Limerick (8f, good) 29 days ago. Significantly up in trip. Cheekpieces on for 1st time. Uphill task.
**
Toy
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore Draw: 6
Winner at Cork in April. 9¼ lengths twelfth of 17 to Nashwa in Prix de Diane at Chantilly (10.4f, good, 36/1) 27 days ago. Has plenty to find.
**
Irish Oaks tips
Timeform: EMILY UPJOHN was rather unfortunate to lose out on the bob in the Oaks and she can soften the blow for connections by taking out the Irish version. Magical Lagoon, a gutsy winner of the Ribblesdale Stakes, appeals as the obvious danger but the others will likely struggle if the selection is on her game.
SWOT UP ON SATURDAY’S BIG CONTESTS AT THE CURRAGH
- Irish Oaks tips and best bets from Paddy Power pundits for Saturday’s 3.45 at the Curragh
- Paddy Power Scurry Handicap tips and runner-by-runner guide to Curragh 2.35 on Saturday
AND CHECK OUT OUR TIPSTERS’ BEST BETS
- Horse Racing Tips: Rory Delargy’s 4 fancies at the Curragh on Saturday
- Horse Racing Tips: Ruby Walsh’s 4 to score at the Curragh on Saturday