By Tom Frary
A total of 14 fillies will line up for Saturday's G1 Juddmonte Irish Oaks, with Ballydoyle responsible for two live contenders in the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes winner Port Fairy (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes third Content (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), with Ryan Moore siding with the latter on Thursday. Wayne Lordan will partner Port Fairy, due to renew rivalry with Elwick Stud's supplemented Lava Stream (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) who was runner-up in that Royal Ascot contest.
Moore explained his decision on his betfair blog, “Content stayed on very strongly for me when third to Bluestocking and Emily Upjohn in the Pretty Polly over a mile and a quarter last month and that may well be the strongest piece of form on show,” he said. “We know Port Fairy is a guaranteed stayer, having won the Ribblesdale last time. Form-wise, there is very little between the pair, so I'd have gladly sat on either. Both have winning form on soft if the forecast rain arrives, although it is currently on the quick side.”
Wathnan Racing's acquisition Lope De Lilas (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) represents the Willie Mullins stable stepping up from a Leopardstown maiden win, while other notables include Tars Farm Equestrian Stud's Oaks third War Chimes (Fr) (Summer Front) and The Aga Khan's Listed Naas Oaks Trial winner Hanalia (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).
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