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Snowy Fairy heads Irish Oaks field

Snowy Fairy willl run in the Darley Irish Oaks
Snowy Fairy willl run in the Darley Irish Oaks

Epsom heroine Snowy Fairy will face 15 rivals as she bids to complete a Classic double in Sunday's Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh.

Ed Dunlop's filly showed tremendous acceleration to win the English Oaks last month and will once again lock horns with the runner-up Meeznah, trained by David Lanigan.

Joining that pair on the trip from Britain are the Sir Michael Stoute-trained Eldalil, Ralph Beckett's Desert Sage and the Godolphin pair of Hibaayeb and Miss Jean Brodie.

Aidan O'Brien's Epsom third Remember When is joined by stablemates Awe Inspiring, Dance On By, Ice Empress and Lady Lupus.

Akdarena, Brazilian Beauty, Crystal Gal, King's Vintage and French filly Rosanara complete the line-up.

Rosanara is still without a win in 2010 but she was beaten just a length in the French 1000 Guineas and then chased home smart stablemate Sarafina in the French Oaks.

Georges Rimaud, racing manager for owner the Aga Khan, said: 'Everything is fine and she is ready to go to the Curragh this weekend.

'We know it will not be an easy race but she is in very good form and has worked very well, so we should expect a good run from her.

'She is stepping up in distance and it seems a long extra distance at the Curragh, but she should stay no problem.

'She has run well in soft ground and ran well to finish second to Sarafina in the Prix De Diane at Chantilly last time.

'I don't think she would enjoy heavy as much as she would faster ground, but then she doesn't need it fast either.'

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