There was more classic glory for the Ger Lyons-Colin Keane axis on Saturday. Even So produced a doughty staying performance to bag the Irish Oaks.
They have some proper ammunition in the fillies group races on Sunday too. We will probably be back on good ground come the start of racing.
2pm Irish Stallion Farms Fillies Maiden
Sister Rosetta and Snowfall bring decent form to the party. Snowfall suffered a brutal trip when beaten at odds on last time out. It will be hard for the newcomers to get the better of that pair. Despite that, a chance is taken on April Showers. This regally bred filly holds some big entries for later in the season.
Selection: April Showers (8/1)
2.35pm Manguard Fillies Handicap
Orchid Gardens holds decent claims here. She ran a bit too freely on comeback. She also suffered a troubled passage. It was to her credit that she kept on to finish fourth in a competitive race. The drop back to seven furlongs shouldn't inconvenience. She can take advantage of a favourable draw. Titanium Sky ran an encouraging race at this track recently. If building on that, she could go close.
Selection: Orchid Gardens (14/1)
3.10pm Airlie Stud Stakes
More Beautiful blotted her copybook in Royal Ascot. She was backed as if defeat were out of the question. It's therefore surprising to see her relegated to the status of second string here. I will forget about Ascot, and instead remember her stunning Naas debut. She is worthy of a second chance. Frenetic has bags of speed. This step up in trip may not prove optimal though.
Selection: More Beautiful (13/2)
3.45pm Holden Sapphire Stakes
This race should boil down to a match between the market principals. I struggled to split Make a Challenge and A'Ali. Given the price disparity, Denis Hogan's charge rates the selection. He could still be progressing, and should enjoy the run of the race. A'Ali was most impressive last time out.
Selection: Make A Challenge (13/8)
4.15pm Kilboy Estate Stakes
A trappy heat. Some progressive, unexposed fillies on show. The lack of an obvious front runner further muddies the waters. Connections of One Voice might well be tempted to revert to the positive tactics that saw her narrowly denied on penultimate start. The form of her subsequent Leopardstown win looks decent. Lovelier took a massive step forward in Killarney during the week. Further progression would see her hold a very strong hand.
Selection: One Voice (11/4)
4.45 pm evoke.ie Handicap
San Pedro was made favourite for a group race on his final start last term. He disappointed but could yet prove better than a handicapper. First time headgear is always noteworthy when it comes to Ballydoyle horses. Fame And Acclaim has been in rare form since racing resumed. He should go well again here.
Selection: San Pedro 16/1
5.15pm Irish EBF Maiden
Monaasib really should be winning here. The race conditions greatly favour him. A repeat of his runner up finish at this course last time out might be good enough. Further progress is probable. Hyde Park Barracks is another Ballydoyle inmate wearing first time blinkers.
Selection: Monaasib 11/4
5.45pm Big Picture Communications Handicap
Miacomet was narrowly beaten last time out in Navan. That run strongly suggests she is coming to the boil. She was tough and progressive last season. Off just two pounds higher than her last winning mark, she can strike here. Powersville continues in good form
Selection: Miacomet (5/1)
