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Preview of this weekend’s racing with Farringdon: July 20-21
Including races at Curragh, Newbury and Market Rasen
Star Harbour ridden by Adam Caffrey on their way to winning the Dubai Duty Free Irish European Breeders Fund Ragusa Handicap during day three of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Festival at The Curragh Racecourse, Dublin. Picture date: Sunday June 30, 2024

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THE Irish Oaks (Curragh, 3.40) is the feature race of the day and most eyes will be on the Aidan O’Brien-trained Port Fairy following her game success in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot. The first time visor did the trick on that occasion, but I am not so sure she has much if anything in hand on a number of her 13 rivals and the call is the still unexposed GALILEO DAME.

She looked a real eye catcher to me when coming home nicely to finish fourth in the Cheshire Oaks at Chester, but then for some reason, Joseph O’Brien dropped her down to an extended nine furlongs for the Gowran Classic and she predictably didn’t have the pace to deal with Fleur De Chine, despite keeping on stoutly down the final lane.

This will be her first run over a mile and a half (Chester was half a furlong shorter) and yes she has a lot to find on official figures, but I expect this galloping 12 furlongs to bring out the very best in her on only her fifth career start. Of those behind the Ballydoyle favourite, I have the most regard for Lope De Lilas who looks as though she too will benefit hugely from the extra yardage here.

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