EXPECT MORE FIREWORKS AS OAKS CONTINUES
Ian Fortune
There were some exceptional performances in the opening round of the Sporting Press Irish Oaks last weekend and it seems safe to expect more of the same this evening.
Of course, the racing is even more competitive and there is a strong chance of more upsets.
AN UNDISPUTED STAR
Undisputed set a strong standard last week, posting a rapid 28.20 on a track that wasn’t flying by any means.
She takes her chance in Heat 6 where she will certainly start favourite despite the presence of fellow impressive opening round scorer Crafty Shivoo.
From a trap three draw, one suspects Undisputed need only repeat last week’s flying start to again make every inch at the expense of Easy Razzle and the aforementioned Crafty Shivoo.
MOFO AND BUBBLES TO SERVE UP A THRILLER
One of the clashes of the night comes in Heat 7 as defending champion and Bitch of the Year Raha Mofo takes on the brilliant Puppy Oaks champion Lets Go Bubbles.
The latter is hugely progressive and has both the pace and strength to really put it up to Raha Mofo, although the latter remains the choice.
The pair will dominate the market and it would be quite the shock if the winner didn’t come from the big two.
DREAM CAN OBLIGE
Bobsleigh Dream may have fluffed her lines in the opening round but did show her trademark back straight pace and strength to recover from an impossible position to take second.
A week on, she can return to winning ways in Heat 5.
Her kennel companion Glengar Bridie is an obvious threat after a fine opening round victory, as is the very useful Rafas Friend but Bobsleigh Dream can prove far too strong in the second half of the contest.
MENDOZA AND MAGIC TO BATTLE IT OUT
Pat Buckley will be hoping he can also win with Terezas Mendoza.
The daughter of Droopys Sydney got absolutely no run seven days earlier, eventually finishing a long way behind Miss Mini Star but he can reverse that form in Heat 2.
The latter could well set the pace on the outside of the track but Terezas Mendoza has a far better draw this weekend. This is far from a one-dog affair, however. Quivers Magic was one of the stars of the opening round and she again has an ideal draw on the fence. Were she to hold Terezas Mendoza into the bend, she would then become a major player.
MARTHA GETS THE NOD
Glengar Martha has yet to get loose in Dublin but she is another live hope for Pat Buckley in Heat 3 where a trap three draw can work in her favour.
If starting on terms, she might be able to turn in front. Fire Height Mal and Crossfield Orla are chosen to chase her home in second and third but, outside of the favourite, this is a wide-open affair.
COCO TO HAND DOLORES NUMBER 10
Boylesports Coco has quickly established herself as one of the very quickest young bitches in training and she can continue her rapid rise to the top in Heat 4 where she can make full use of an inside draw.
Burgess Rapid and Droopys Ailsa can both go up fast also but Boylesports Coco is razor-sharp and she is chosen to lead from the early yards to continue her winning ways. If doing so, she would have Dolores Ruth a tenth straight winner with her runners in Dublin. Now that would be some feat.
NICE ONE TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS
Derby finalist and one of the tars of 2022, Droopys Nice One gets the nod in the opening heat of the night.
She displayed signs of a return to her very best last week, when chasing home Lets Go Bubbles.
From an ideal draw in the stripes, she can come through in the second half of the contest to see off Rathdown Molly and Cashen Bazooka.
A WIDE-OPEN FINALE
The final heat of the round is potentially the most open of the round.
Both Cornetto and Scooby Duchess seem to be coming forward with each outing and the pair are chosen to come home first and second but, honestly, realistic claims can be made for each and every runner.
Threesixfive will finish at speed, Ballymac Sallagh has a favourable draw in two, Courty Girl will go up fast from five, while Highview Mags is a model of consistency and is another with an ideal draw in the stripes.