NO ROOM FOR ERROR IN CHRISTMAS OAKS

Ian Fortune

With just two to qualify from each of the three semi-finals, there will be added jeopardy in the Bernard Barry Christmas Oaks, the highlight of this evening’s wonderful action at Shelbourne Park.

The opening round saw a number of superb displays but none went faster than Drive On Beauty. Chris O’Donovan’s star had been in tremendous form, winning her last three at Shelbourne and she is again the one to beat in the last of the three heats, although this is perhaps her toughest test to date.

Drawn in the stripes with the wonderful Short Grip on her immediate inside and the likes of Winter Racing Festival winner Is She There and the consistent Deelish Nora to contend with, there is no room for error.

So much will come down to the opening strides. Short Grip is always capable of a flying start but she will need to be at her very sharpest to contain Drive On Beauty. On current form, it’s impossible to go against Drive On Beauty and she is selected to dominate again.

LADY TO FOLLOW UP

Grangeclare Lady would prefer the longer run to the turn over 550yds but she displayed last week that she has the pace to dictate over the standard trip also.

She wears the orange of five in the opening heat and will be a pretty warm favourite.

She looks the likely pace-setter and can burn off her rivals down the back straight before coasting home in front. Velvet Duchess impressed last week, making all in 28.48 and a similar return would see her go close, while Coolavanny Ogie, Silverhill Freya and Pennys Cailin will all finish fast. Of the last named trio, Silverhill Freya has the best early speed and she could have a big say of finding a better start.

ROSSA NEEDS TO ASSERT

Heat 2 is very competitive but Westway Rossa comes into the contest in fine form after scoring in 28.40 last week.

With a similarly fast start, she can contest the early lead with Lets Go Bubbles before asserting on the corner.

Ardera Freya seems to be returning to her best form and is respected, while Youandme Babe is on the crest of a wave and will finish at speed. It could get tight at the finish but slight preference is for Westway Rossa.