18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon

Sariska faces ten rivals in Darley Irish Oaks

Fri 10th Jul 2009, 12:10

Michael Bell reports Sariska right on song as she bids for an Oaks double in Sunday's Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh, for which 11 fillies were declared this morning.

The daughter of Pivotal will face a rematch with narrow Epsom runner-up Midday after both fillies were supplemented by connections earlier this week. "Sariska will fly out on Satu day morning all things being equal, and I have been delighted with her since Epsom," said Bell.

"I just hope they don't get a deluge of rain over the weekend as we just want nice, decent ground. If it did lash it down and it became very soft, it just makes it into a different test all together. Everything she has done since Epsom has been good and I really couldn't be happier with her going into the race."

Along with Midday, Jim Bolger's Oh Goodness Me is the only other filly to take Sariska on again.

Midday only went down by a head at Epsom and also met trouble in running leaving Cecil keen for the rematch. The in-form handler would also not be put off by any rain. "She's in very good form," said Cecil.

"I think she'll go on soft ground, if it's bottomless we're in no mans' land. Touch wood it's looking OK and I'm looking forward to the rematch. May the best horse win."

John Oxx runs Beauty O' Gwaun and Roses For The Lady, Aidan O'Brien relies on Roman Empress and Chirkova while John Murphy runs both Belle Chose and Destined For Fame. Dermot Weld's Grace O'Malley and John Joe Walsh's Rory Anna complete the field.