Aidan O’Brien’s Words is the new kid on the block in the Group One Irish Oaks at The Curragh.
Despite Epsom Oaks winner Qualify and Ribblesdale winner Curvy lining up with better form in the book it is Words who is tipped to come out on top, with no real guessing as to how good she is having won both of her starts to this point with something to spare - on both occasions the runner-up as going on to win at Group level.
Both races have been slowly run; firstly in a maiden at the Curragh last year where she quickened over the top of subsequent Group 2 winner Raydara, and secondly when winning a dash to the line against Carla Bianca, an older filly who proved herself very smart in four wins at the back of last season and has already returned to winning ways since being dismissed by Words.
Words now has to dismiss another filly who has won four in a row. The favourite Curvy made it four on end when winning the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot and that was the race that last year’s Irish Oaks winner Bracelet used as a springboard to success.
That said, the Ribblesdale didn’t shape as a particularly strong race and at current prices the untapped Words makes more appeal.
Similarly, Qualify looks to have shown her hand. While it’s certainly not a two, seven off suit it’s not a pair of kings either, and she’s seen to be lacking the upside or x-factor of a filly like Words.
Qualify’s Oaks win came at 50-1 and she’s been well beaten on either side of it. She was ridden back off a modest tempo last time, so that could be forgiven, but she may just prove a one-hit wonder.
If Words doesn’t take the step up required the best alternative might be Covert Love who also has plenty of room to improve.
She was certainly on the improve when winning a listed race at Newcastle last time, and while that isn’t the typical launching pad for Group 1 success in Ireland the form has a good look about it with the runner-up the Middleton Stakes second, and consistently good performer, Talmada.
Notably this was a solid performance both against older horses and against the clock and at double figure prices she’s well worth a ticket alongside Words.
Best of luck and happy punting.
