Earth Shot Seeks Classic Glory in Deep Renewal of the Irish Oaks

The Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) winner will headline a field of 11 fillies this Saturday at The Curragh, featuring Epsom Oaks (G1) heroine Thundering On, Johanna Walsh, and a strong five-horse contingent sent out by Aidan O’Brien

COUNTY KILDARE, Ireland (Special to Turf Diario).- After finding ultimate glory during the Royal Ascot meeting, Earth Shot will have a grand opportunity this Saturday to add a classic triumph to her record when she lines up in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks (G1), the centerpiece of the card at The Curragh.

The William Haggas-trained filly features among the 11 sophomores that stood ground after Tuesday's final declarations and will head into the challenge backed by her narrow victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes (G2), where she defeated Johanna Walsh (Sea the Stars) by just a head over the same 2400-meter trip she faces now.

Haggas expressed enthusiasm about giving the Wathnan Racing representative her shot at the highest level, though he admitted he would have preferred to encounter slightly softer ground.

"Everything seems fine with her, she is very well and I am looking forward to seeing her run," the trainer commented. "She is improving with every start, which is a positive, and I always thought she would be even better with a bit more ease in the ground."

Weather forecasts, however, predict little chance of rain in Ireland. Regardless, the conditioner remains confident that Earth Shot will handle the sweeping turns of The Curragh perfectly and expects the track officials to keep the turf in good condition through watering.

The progressive profile shown by the daughter of Time Test is the main asset for her team. Her victory at Ascot not only confirmed her stamina for the distance but also her ability to deliver under pressure, having to dig deep to hold off the persistent challenge of Johanna Walsh.

Precisely that runner-up will be part of a powerhouse three-pronged attack sent out by Joseph O’Brien in an attempt to capture the classic.

The spearhead of his team will be Thundering On (Night of Thunder), brilliant winner of the Epsom Oaks (G1). The filly subsequently attempted to tackle older mares in the Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) three weeks ago but failed to reproduce her best form. Now, she returns to her own age group seeking to complete the coveted Oaks double.

Alongside her and Johanna Walsh, O’Brien decided to supplement Rebel Moon (Lope de Vega), an unbeaten G3winner whose presence adds another layer of immense interest to a deep and demanding contest.

Rebel Moon was one of three late additions to the field, joining Inis Mor (Galiway)—trained by David Menuisierand coming off a third-place finish in the Prix de Diane (G1)—and Sparan Nua (Dawn Approach), fresh from a victory in the Munster Oaks (G3) at Cork for Jim Bolger.

"It is going to be a very tough challenge, but there is only one Irish Oaks and we decided to give it a go," explained P. J. Colville, racing manager for owners Newton Anner Stud Farm. "It is definitely the right race for her at this moment, provided she is good enough."

The filly pleased in her final piece of work and arrives with the advantage of already having a group victory under her belt. That success allows her connections to take a shot at a top-flight prize without any added pressure.

As is almost always the case in the major Irish Classics, Aidan O’Brien will hold a massive hand. The Ballydoyle master, an eight-time winner of the Irish Oaks who captured last year's renewal with Minnie Hauk (Frankel), is responsible for the remaining five candidates.

Amelia Earhart (Camelot), Beautify (Wootton Bassett), Cameo (Wootton Bassett), Composing (Wootton Bassett), and Sugar Island (Dubawi) form his squad, a lineup that gives him multiple tactical options to play a decisive role in the running.

Earth Shot heads into the race as one of the clear benchmarks following her Royal Ascot exploits, but she will have no margin for error. Thundering On brings her Epsom credentials; Johanna Walsh is out for revenge; Rebel Moon puts her undefeated record on the line, while Inis Mor and Sparan Nua aim for another step forward.

With 11 high-class fillies, contrasting formlines, and the leading powerhouses of Ireland and England heavily represented, the Juddmonte Irish Oaks shapes up to be one of the most fascinating chapters of the European season.