By Daithi Harvey
Having recently found out the welcome news of his addition to the Godolphin Irish training roster, John Oxx could have further cause for cheer after the G1 Darley Irish Oaks at The Curragh on Saturday. The Curragh trainer could be doubly represented in the mile and a half Classic with both Bengala (Fr) (Pivotal {GB}) and Naughty Or Nice (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) in line to take their chances. Both fillies would have to step up on what they have shown so far to figure, but Naughty Or Nice was quietly fancied for her last outing in the G2 Ribblesdale S. at Royal Ascot but a slipped saddle early on put paid to her chances.
“Naughty Or Nice had a bit of a disaster when she ran at Royal Ascot and the saddle slipped,” said Oxx of the Newtown Anner Stud homebred. “The intention was to run her in the Ribblesdale and find out where she stood in the scheme of things, but we didn't learn anything. She is in the Oaks so we are tempted to run and see what happens.
Any rain that falls at The Curragh up to Saturday will aid the chances of her stablemate Bengala, who was a €350,000 purchase out of the Wildenstein Dispersal at Goffs last year.
“Bengala could do with some rain so we would be tempted to run her if we get some comfort in the ground for her,” Oxx added.
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