Magic Wand found to have dirty nose after Irish Oaks disappointment

Darley Irish Oaks disappointment Magic Wand was found to have had a dirty nose after her odds-on defeat at the Curragh on Saturday, according to trainer Aidan O'Brien.

The mount of Ryan Moore, who was sent off at odds of 10-11 but looked one of the first fillies in trouble, had passed all the necessary medical examinations prior to the almost 10-length fifth-place finish to Sea Of Class.

"Magic Wand had a bit of a dirty nose when she came back so maybe that was a factor in her below-par run," said O'Brien.

"She was a bit disappointing and maybe there was a little thing on her. Her scopes and bloods were perfect on the way up to the race but maybe she just ran a bit below herself."

Forever Together bounced back to form to finish second to William Haggas' progressive filly, with O'Brien looking forward to a little ease underfoot for his Epsom heroine.

Forever Together (inside) is nabbed close home by James Doyle and Sea Of Class in the Darley Irish OaksCredit: Patrick McCann

He said: "Bye Bye Baby and Forever Together seemed to be fine after the race. Forever Together ran very well and is a filly that seems to stay very well. I don't think she needs soft ground but probably in soft ground, stamina comes into it more."

Of the winner, who received a masterful ride by James Doyle, the Ballydoyle handler said: "Sea Of Class did very well to win as she did, coming from that position. We were very afraid of the winner because she beat our filly Athena at Newbury and we like her. It's just hard to win these races."

Kew Gardens looks set to return to the scene of his Queen's Vase victory in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth StakesCredit: Edward Whitaker

O'Brien's Grand Prix de Paris winner Kew Gardens remains on target for a tilt at the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on Saturday, with a team of four potentially representing Ballydoyle.

He said: "The plan at the moment is for Kew Gardens to run in the King George. He's a possible along with Cliffs Of Moher, Rostropovich and Nelson. We'll see what this week will bring first."

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com