The reason jockey Ryan Moore is riding Content rather than original antepost favorite Port Fairy in the July 20 Irish Oaks (G1) is because he was so impressed with the way she hit the line in last month’s Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) against older, battle-hardened fillies, according to Aidan O’Brien.
There were a few raised eyebrows when Moore’s name appeared next to Content after declarations were finalized July 19 and, while O’Brien reports both fillies to be in tip-top shape for the Curragh classic, it was that recent course effort which swayed Moore.
O’Brien said: “Ryan was seriously surprised with how well Content ran in the Pretty Polly. He couldn’t believe the way she came home and he said in another few more strides he would have got to the two fillies in front of him. It’s because of that he’s on her rather than the other filly.
“That was a big, big run from her, and the minute he hopped off her I’d say he had this race in mind. She’s done well since and we’re very happy.”
Wayne Lordan will now go in search of his first Irish Oaks on Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) winner Port Fairy, who has, understandably, drifted in the market following the news that Moore would be on Content.
Ryan Moore wins the Ribblesdale Stakes aboard Port Fairy (chestnut) at Ascot Racecourse
O’Brien, who also runs outsider Rubies Are Red , said: “Port Fairy is good and everything has gone well with her. She’s progressing nicely and she’s very tough. Everyone is happy with how she’s done since Ascot.”
Lope de Lilas primed for Classic bid after ‘fantastic preparation’
James Doyle made a big splash in the Irish Oaks back in 2018 when Sea of Class swooped late to catch Forever Together in an epic edition, and six years later the rider is back to try and deliver a first classic for Wathnan Racing on their recent purchase Lope de Lilas.
Doyle said of the Willie Mullins-trained Leopardstown maiden winner: “I’ve sat on her a couple of times. I sat on her on Irish Derby day after racing and I flew to the Curragh on Tuesday to ride her on the gallops down by the Guineas start.
“She was impressive at Leopardstown. I don’t know what kind of race it was but she did all her best work up to the line and she ran out a ready winner. It’s hard to know whether she can make the step up to group 1 company but we’ll know more about her here.
“I’ve rode for Willie a few times over the years. We are yet to get any joy together but I finished third on a filly of his on Irish Derby day and it would be great to win a classic for him.”
Mullins’ father Paddy won this very classic in 2003 with Vintage Tipple and the champion jumps trainer’s son and assistant Patrick said it would mean the world to him were he to emulate his dad with Lope de Lilas.
“It would be up there with the top of his achievements,” said Mullins of the prospect of victory in the Saturday showpiece.
He added: “James came over to ride her work at the Curragh on Tuesday and she worked very well and everyone was very happy.
“It’s obviously a big ask coming straight out of maiden company into a classic but that is the route we have decided to take. She’s had a fantastic preparation at home and we’re very happy going there.”
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