RACING:JOHN OXX expects to have two runners in the Etihad Airways Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 22nd. His first string is likely to be recent Athasi Stakes winner Emiyna who showed an attitude beyond her tender experience in holding off the older Lolly For Dolly at the Curragh.

The filly had been quoted in the markets for the Epsom Oaks after her win, but Oxx sees her as more of an eight-furlong specialist.

“I think Emiyna is a miler. She’ll run next, all being well, in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and I wouldn’t be optimistic that she’ll stay much more than a mile the way she works, but time will tell,” said Oxx.

“She travelled very well and quickened up well, she’s a good filly. Lolly For Dolly is a good solid yardstick and had already had a couple of runs this season so she was very fit. It’s a good race the Athasi, it was nice to win it and I hope she can go on improving a little more.”

A more than useful second string to his bow will be History Note, unlucky in running when third on her reappearance in the Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial. “History Note had a difficult run where she only got out at the end and finished well, we hope to run her also,” Oxx said. “She would need to improve, they both do, but this girl would need to improve 10 or 12lb to get involved. I would think she’ll be a miler too.”