DAVID WACHMAN intends leaving a decision about Again’s Epsom Oaks participation until as late as possible after the filly’s Irish 1,000 Guineas success last weekend.
The 12-day gap between both races remains a concern for the Coolmore camp which currently holds a major hand in the Epsom Derby with the likes of Rip van Winkle and Fame And Glory near the top of the betting.
Again remains a 7 to 1 shot for this Friday’s Oaks behind the English trio of Sariska, Rainbow View and Midday but Wachman stressed yesterday that no final decision has been taken on her participation.
“We have until declaration time until Wednesday to make up our minds and certainly we haven’t decided anything yet,” the Co Tipperary-based trainer said yesterday. “I’ll have to discuss things with the owners and see how she is.”
Wachman did, however, describe Chintz, fifth to her stable companion in the Curragh classic last Sunday, as a possible Oaks runner along with Latin Love who finished third to She’s Our Mark in a Listed race at Gowran on her last start.
John Oxx is still considering an Oaks attempt by his unbeaten filly Beauty O’Gwaun but will be pursuing a much less prestigious mile and a half target at today’s Tramore fixture with Sheridaniya in the maiden. Oxx has dominated this event in recent years with some of the Aga Khan’s lesser lights, including with a 1 to 5 shot last year. The Aga also has Michael Halford’s Zafferana in this race and the Halford team look like they are running into form.
Sheridaniya still looks a better option though on the back of a third to Wanna in a decent looking maiden at Killarney.
The going should be quickening up all the time at Tramore and that could be the key to Extreme Impact getting the better of Genesj in the mile and a six maiden. The latter ran a good race on testing conditions at Clonmel while the Navan third Extreme Impact is bred to relish faster ground.
Course form is always useful around the seaside track and Monahullan Prince has done well here in the past, winning over jumps and on the flat. The eight-year-old is rated 5lbs lower for the 14-furlong handicap than when scoring here two years ago and should again be prominent.
Binocular may not be at the same level as Nicky Henderson’s hurdler but he looks to have enough to win today’s mile and a half handicap. A second to American Princess at Clonmel is decent form and Pat Flynn’s runner has placed form on good ground from his time in England.
