Oaks hope Above The Curve set to miss Epsom in favour of Prix Saint-Alary

Joseph O'Brien has indicated that promising Cheshire Oaks second Above The Curve, as short as 12-1 for next week's Cazoo Oaks, looks set to skip to Epsom for a tilt at Sunday's Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp.

Considered a dark horse in some quarters for the Oaks, the hugely impressive Leopardstown maiden winner lost little in defeat when just failing to reel in Thoughts Of June at Chester this month.

However, Longchamp is likely to be next for the daughter of American Pharoah after she featured among nine fillies at Tuesday's second forfeit stage for the Coolmore-backed Prix Saint-Alary.

Members can watch the Cheshire Oaks replay here

Stablemate Seisai, who suffered interference when fourth in the Gallinule Stakes last Friday, also figured in the entries but is uncertain to run.

O'Brien told the Racing Post: "Above The Curve is a likely runner this weekend in France. It was a good run from her at Chester and she seems to have come out of it well.

Above The Curve (left): likely to run at Longchamp on SundayCredit: Edward Whitaker

"She's a big filly so hopefully she can continue to progress. I don't know whether Seisai will travel."

Ralph Beckett could call on 1,000 Guineas runner-up Prosperous Voyage in the 1m2f contest, while Charlie Appleby still has the option of running Fred Darling winner Wild Beauty.

Wednesday's news means impressive Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes winner Tranquil Lady now looks set to go it alone for O'Brien in the Oaks.

"Tranquil Lady is an intended runner in the Oaks," said O'Brien. "She was very good at Naas last time and will go to Epsom with a live each-way chance."

Decisive wins for Hannibal Barca in the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes and Raise You in the Listed Orby Stakes ensured O'Brien got on the scoresheet at the Curragh last weekend, but he was out of luck with his big Group 1 hopes State Of Rest and Buckaroo.

Tranquil Lady:- promising filly set to contest next week's Cazoo OaksCredit: Caroline Norris

A tilt at the Prince of Wales's Stakes looks next on the agenda for Cox Plate hero State Of Rest, who went down fighting when third in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, while it remains to be seen where Irish 2,000 Guineas sixth Buckaroo goes next.

It had been suggested by O'Brien that Qatar Racing's Buckaroo may have suffered an overreach on Saturday, and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board's veterinary officer found the colt to have a small wound to his left-hind coronet band, but was otherwise post-race normal.

O'Brien said: "State Of Rest seems to have come out of his race well and we were very pleased with his run. All being well we'll head on for Royal Ascot now. We're looking forward to seeing him out again."

He added: "Buckaroo came out of the Irish 2,000 Guineas okay and will have a bit of time now. We'll discuss things with Sheikh Fahad and the team before making a call on where he goes next. He won't be going to Epsom for the Derby."

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