Joseph O'Brien hopeful stamina will not be a problem for Iridessa in Irish Oaks

Joseph O'Brien is hoping the step up to a mile and a half in Saturday's Kerrygold Irish Oaks will not prove a problem for Pretty Polly Stakes winner Iridessa, who has pleased the trainer with how she has come out of last month's Group 1.

Iridessa, winner of the Fillies' Mile last season, failed to make an impact in the 1,000 Guineas or its Irish equivalent but relished the step up to 1m2f in the Pretty Polly where she stayed on powerfully to beat Magic Wand and Pink Dogwood.

Speaking on Monday, O'Brien said of his two-time Group 1 winner: "She's in good shape and the plan is probably to run at the weekend, which we're looking forward to.

"The step up in trip really suited her in the Pretty Polly Stakes last time and we've been happy with how she's come out of the race."

Iridessa: will have her stamina tested in Saturday's Kerrygold Irish OaksCredit: Patrick McCann

Asked whether he believes the extra stamina test will pose a problem for the daughter of Ruler Of The World, the trainer said: "You just never really know whether they'll stay the extra couple of furlongs until you try, but she's very well and we're hopeful she'll get the trip."

Iridessa is likely to face Ribblesdale Stakes winner Star Catcher, as trainer John Gosden on Monday said the plan was to supplement the Royal Ascot heroine after she had pleased in a weekend workout. Confirmations for Saturday's €400,000 prize close at noon on Tuesday.

Band Of Outlaws earmarked for Flat return

O'Brien has also made a big impression as a jumps trainer during his fledgling career and this month sent out Band Of Outlaws to finish runner-up to Thomas Hobson in the Grade 3 Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary on his first start for new owner JP McManus.

Although the four-year-old, who won the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, will be entered in the €300,000 Guinness Galway Hurdle, O'Brien revealed he could also line up on the Flat off a mark of 93 at Ballybrit.

The Melbourne Cup-winning trainer said: "Band Of Outlaws ran a good race on his comeback at Tipperary and is in good shape. He came out of it well and it was his first run after a lay-off, so you'd be hoping there's improvement to come.

Band Of Outlaws: made his first start in the colours of JP McManus when second at Tipperary earlier this monthCredit: Caroline Norris

"It would probably make sense to go straight to Galway with him now. He'll be entered in the Galway Hurdle but we'll also put him in some of the handicaps on the Flat too.

"We'll give him a number of entries and the final decision on whether he'll run in one or two will be made closer to the time."

Buckhurst, winner of the Group 3 International Stakes at the Curragh last month, is on a break but will be back for targets in the second half of the season. He is a general 25-1 chance for the William Hill St Leger.

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