Ryan Moore has expressed confidence that Aidan O'Brien's Amelia Earhart will show a marked improvement in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh, following the withdrawal of Epsom Oaks winner Thundering On. The Joseph O'Brien-trained filly was taken out of the Group One contest after being reported off her feed this morning.
Thundering On Withdrawn, Market Shake-Up
Thundering On, who had been a leading fancy for the race, was removed by Joseph O'Brien, who stated she was off her feed. Her absence has reshaped the betting market. William Haggas' Ribblesdale Stakes heroine Earth Shot now heads the market at 11-4, with Johanna Walsh at 9-2 and Amelia Earheart, fitted with first-time cheekpieces, at 5-1.
Moore's Optimism Despite Epsom Defeat
Amelia Earhart started as the 7-4 favourite for the Betfred Oaks at Epsom in June but finished sixth, beaten a long way behind Thundering On. Moore, in his World Pool blog, acknowledged the disappointment but urged caution in judging the form. "While it was disappointing that she finished down the field that day given she was favourite, it was unusual conditions this year and I’d be hopeful we’ll see a different filly this time," he said.
Moore described the Epsom race as "a funny race" with a slow pace, adding, "I’m not sure how literally you should take the form. It was messy and I’m looking forward to seeing what she can do. She’s still got plenty to prove but she’ll like being back at the Curragh and the headgear could help too." He noted the race is "a deep renewal and a very open race."
Joseph O'Brien's Johanna Walsh in Contention
Johanna Walsh, a stablemate of Thundering On trained by Joseph O'Brien, has attracted support from punters, having been an 8-1 shot earlier. She was only beaten a head at Royal Ascot. Joseph O'Brien said: "She has had a good preparation since then. We think she will enjoy the fast ground and the Curragh and we are looking forward to seeing how she goes."
Earth Shot Leads Wathnan Challenge
Wathnan Racing had Oaks fourth A La Prochaine entered in the Classic, but Earth Shot will be their sole representative, ridden by James Doyle. Richard Brown, Wathnan's racing manager, said: "I loved the attitude she showed (at Ascot) as she was still green and had to challenge wide. It's a case of her still learning on the job and she will have to come forward again, but we are hopeful she will."
