Last weekend we had an absolute plethora of top class racing, including Group races and top handicaps galore, whereas moving into this weekend the quality looks a little thinner so the focus switches to Ireland, where the Irish Oaks will be run over 1m4f at The Curragh. Interestingly, for as powerful and all-conquering the Aidan O’Brien stable is, they haven’t had too much success in this race over recent years with just the 1 win in the last 7. This year, he certainly holds the ace in the pack in the form of Ribblesdale winner Even Song, who is heavy odds on to take the 2016 renewal. She looked an easy winner at Ascot, so is there anything in this line up that can beat her?The two supplemented fillies may well pose her the biggest danger. AJMAN PRINCESS (6/1) and ARCHITECTURE (6/1) are the closest to the jolly in terms of the betting markets. Architecture ran a big race in the Oaks behind the superstar filly Minding which would probably be the best form in the race. However, she was quickly put in her place by Even Song in the Ribblesdale and although she didn’t have the easiest of trips that day, it would be hard for her to turn the tables on the fav, considering Even Song is susceptible to eking out more improvement. Ajman Princess was 2nd in the Ribblesdale at Ascot but can you be taking this price about a filly that is still yet to win, in a Group 1? Her form is strong but my worry is that she is just not genuine enough to get her head in front. As both don’t offer much each way value you must look elsewhere for a bet.

TURRET ROCKS is the one that really interests me and I think has been overlooked for this race. She is a Group 2 winning filly, who was also placed behind Ballydoyle on Arc day in Longchamp in a Group 1. She ran a good race in the Guineas when Jim Bolger was adamant that she wasn’t fully tuned up for it that day, before finishing downfield in the Oaks on her first start at 1m4f. I don’t think the issue was that she didn’t stay – she was beaten a long way from home and I think both the track and the ground went against her. She is a top of the ground filly that improves for a sound surface, and added into the mix is that Jim Bolger is adamant she is a top class 1m4f filly. I believe we shall see the best of her tomorrow and is a great price around the 12/1 mark.

Aidan O’Brien looks as if he will support his charge in addition to Even Song with PRETTY PERFECT (16/1), SEVENTH HEAVEN (25/1) and SOMEHOW (25/1). Pretty Perfect was flattered by her first win this year when making all on a day where front runners were heavily favoured, and she hasn’t shown a whole lot that suggests she will be close to winning this. Somehow was very, very green when winning at Chester but was another beaten a long way in the Oaks and I don’t see her improving enough to warrant a bet here. Seventh Heaven is the one of these three that could well run a big race and huge odds. She won the trial at Lingfield from Architecture when reportedly not acting on the track, and clearly hated the undulations of Epsom next time out. Back to a more regulation track she could be back on song. Others in the line up look held based on various pieces of form.

Verdict: For me, of course the favourite has sound claims but I would be really disappointed if TURRET ROCKS didn’t run a huge race at a good each way price. She has the class and back to conditions that suit her she will surely serve it up to the favourite.

Good Luck whatever way you decide to go.

The Snout – Follow on Twitter