We will be treated to a fantastic day of horse racing action on Saturday at the Curragh who play host to the Juddmonte Irish Oaks, another Group 1 Classic to savour. You can find all of the weekend’s ITV Racing tips on the website. We have picked out some horses to follow at the Curragh including a pick for the feature.
Sheila Lavery’s Torivega was well backed at big prices for the Wokingham at Royal Ascot last time and although nearer last than first ran with credit. Running off the same mark here, if he can reproduce his penultimate run when a close third over course and distance he has major claims. He looks overpriced on all known form and it would be no surprise to see plenty of money come for him on the day.
The Group 2 Sapphire Stakes over the flying 5f can go to the British as George Boughey’s Believing has big claims. Ryan Moore has been booked to ride the filly, who finished a close fourth in a pair of Group 1s at Royal Ascot last month. That form is very strong and she should be more than good enough in this company.
Ryan Moore had the choice of three Aidan O’Brien runners for the Irish Oaks and he has sided with Content which is a tip in itself. Fourth at the Breeders’ Cup last year on a track and over a trip that didn’t suit, she was a big eyectatcher the last twice and this step up in trip is going to bring the best out of her. The fact Moore has ditched Port Fairy, who he won on over this trip at Royal Ascot last time, must speak volumes about her chances.
Vauban was a multiple Grade 1 winner over hurdles and is the class act in this contest. A winner of a Naas Group 3 on the Flat last year, he disappointed when sent off favourite for the Melbourne Cup but was second in the Yorkshire Cup (winner has franked the form since) on return and found the distance too extreme when fourth in the Ascot Gold Cup last time. Down in trip in calmer waters, he’s a huge player.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.