Fillies and mares do battle for black type in Listed Oyster Stakes

Ardilaun Hotel Oyster Stakes | 1m4f | RTV

Who could forget Princess Zoe winning this race last year? She stormed up the hill to beat high-class stayer Barrington Court and Oaks runner-up Ennistymon.

This year's race has not managed to attract the same quality, but connections will not be complaining with valuable black-type up for grabs.

Of the older fillies, Haparanda, trained by Dermot Weld, has to have solid claims being the highest-rated in the line-up off a mark of 99.

This would appear a good opportunity for her to win a Listed race, but the three-year-olds will also be snapping at her heels.

Of that bunch Sacred Rhyme could be of most interest, while the Joseph O'Brien-trained Kirkland Lady is proven over course-and-distance, which is a huge help at a track like Galway.

What they say

Jessica Harrington, trainer of Camphor and Sacred Rhyme
Camphor has good course form which is great, while Sacred Rhyme stays very well. Hopefully they run well.

Nina Walsh, trainer of Dinard Rose
She ran a respectable race in the St Leger Trial and if they went a quicker pace it may have suited her a bit better. We are trying to pick up some black-type with her. She has run around Galway before and run well so, with a bit of luck, she can stay on into the frame.

Joseph O'Brien, trainer of Merroir and Kirkland Lady
Both fillies have won over course-and-distance this year and we’re hoping for black-type. Kirkland Lady is rated higher but Merroir has more experience and has been around the block. Neither of them would mind if it rained.

Follow your favourites with our amazing Horse Tracker feature. Add up to 1,000 horses to your stable, filter them and keep up to date with automatic email alerts. Join Members' Club Ultimate now and never miss a winner again!