O'Brien delivers positive bulletin on Curragh absentee Rhododendron

Oaks runner-up Rhododendron is not in line for a crack at the Irish version at the Curragh this Saturday but trainer Aidan O’Brien had encouraging news on the filly following her Prix de Diane disappointment.

Rhododendron, who was beaten at Epsom only by Enable in a Classic contested in a torrential thunderstorm and with her rival having the benefit of the rail, was pulled up in the Diane after bursting a blood vessel.

She was among a 16-strong entry from O’Brien for this weekend’s Darley-backed Oaks at the Curragh and while representing Ballydoyle will be left to others – most notably Rain Goddess and Alluringly –Rhododendron is coming along well while not yet being near a run.

"Rhododendron is grand and she is cantering away," reported O’Brien. "She's still on the easy list and we haven’t stepped her up in work just yet.

"Everything has been perfect since France, but because it was so traumatic for her we just have to take our time with her.

Rhododendron chases Enable home through the heavy rain in the OaksCredit: Edward Whitaker

“We have our eye on the Breeders' Cup and maybe we might give her a prep beforehand, but we're not in any major panic just yet about plans; we're just concentrating on building her back up and are feeling our way."

The year-older Alice Springs has not been seen since finishing second on her return in the Gladness Stakes in April, may also be in line for a trip to Del Mar later this year.

The trainer added: "Alice Springs is in a similar situation to Rhododendron. She's back cantering every day and could go to the Breeders' Cup as well, but she'd definitely need a prep run beforehand."

One filly who won’t be appearing at the Curragh this weekend, or anywhere else, is last year’s Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up Promise To Be True, who has been retired, O’Brien revealed.