The final shape of Aidan O’Brien’s assault on a fifth Epsom Oaks success on Friday will be known at today’s final declaration stage but it is the older mare,
Beach Of Falesa,
that will be occupying the champion trainer’s thoughts at Punchestown this evening.
A four-time winner on the flat, where she is rated almost 100, Beach Of Falesa will try to break her duck over jumps at the third attempt in a hot looking mares maiden hurdle.
She failed to make much of an impression in two starts over flights last December but ground conditions should be more suitable now and rider Robbie Power has had a fine season, teaming up with some of O'Brien's National Hunt runners.
Other hopefuls
The Irish Guineas heroine Marvellous continues to vie for favouritism ahead of the Oaks but O’Brien can also draw on five other hopefuls, including Tapestry, Palace and Bracelet.
Dermot Weld’s Blue Wind Stakes winner Tarfasha is also in contention to take her chance in the Classic.
Joseph O’Brien reported of Marvellous yesterday: “She won well in the Irish Guineas and you’d imagine she’d get a mile and a half. It was very heavy ground and she looked to go to the line well. Hopefully she’ll handle the better ground. She’s in with a fighting chance.”
Rupert Lamb has an unfortunate series of letters next to his name from jumping over fences but a first start over hurdles in two years could work the trick in tonight's handicap hurdle.
Star Power's first start over jumps saw him find only one too good here a month ago and the triple-Dundalk winner should relish decent ground in the other maiden hurdle.
Meanwhile, Australia was on the drift for the Derby yesterday, with one major bookmaker. Paddy Power had eased Australia to a best-priced 5/4 but O’Brien jnr said: “He’s bred to stay the trip, bred to handle the track and bred to win the Derby which is what you need going to Epsom. It’s the ultimate test of a racehorse.”
