Super Sariska seals Oaks double in fine style

Report: Curragh, Sunday

Darley Irish Oaks (Group 1) 1m4f, 3yo+

SARISKA ran out an ultra-easy winner of the Darley Irish Oaks under a supremely-confident Jamie Spencer to seal a Classic double at the Curragh on Sunday.

Spencer anchored the Investec Oaks heroine at the rear of the field as pace-setters Roses For The Lady and Chirkova blasted from the gates and as Fran Berry opened up a sizeable lead turning for home on Roses For The Lady, their pursuers started to come under pressure.

 

The only filly still travelling on the bridle at this stage was Sariska and Spencer had to take a pull as his mount moved into contention.

Spencer only had to let out an inch of rein to join the long-time leader inside the final furlong and as he cruised past he even had time to direct a wave at Berry on the runner-up.

Midday, runner-up to Sariska at Epsom, seemed to struggle in the heavy conditions but plugged on to take third spot.

Sariska could now be in line for a clash with the colts and Victor Chandler offer just 6-1 (from 33-1) about the winner for the Qatar Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe, while William Hill go 12-1.

Spencer could not hide his excitement and said: “Jesus she was electric. The going was extremely deep but she is so strong she went straight through it.

“The race could not have gone smoother, I was going to sit a little closer but everyone wanted to be handy so I was happy to sit at the rear.

“I only had one horse behind me at the top of the hill but she picked then off one by one. Remember this was only her fifth start and she has not disappointed yet.”

Winning trainer Michael Bell added: "She had been working so well, and coming into the race I hate to say it but I really thought she would win. That was very, very impressive.

"I think now we will go for the Yorkshire Oaks (August 20) and then sit down and have a seriousthink about her autumn campaign.

"Obviously she would have to be supplemented for the Arc, but you want to take on the best and she is such a good filly it would be insane not to have a dart at it."

Henry Cecil, trainer of  third placed Midday, was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "With the ground she wasn't able to quicken, although I feared the winner would improve and she won very easily.

"I wouldn't want to take her on again and we might go to Goodwood (Nassau Stakes)."