7.15 Juddmonte Irish Oaks (Group 1) 1m 4f

Cayenne Pepper: Emerged as a high-class juvenile last term when she won at Group 3 level and finished fourth in the Fillies’ Mile. On her comeback here last month she faced an impossible task against the brilliant Magical but still showed up well to finish a 4½l second to that rival. The longer trip of this race coupled with the benefit of that comeback run will bring her forward and she sets the standard.

Ennistymon: Progressive filly who has come a long way in just three runs this season with runner-up finishes in the Ribblesdale Stakes and the Oaks following her 1m 2f maiden success at Leopardstown last month. She was beaten 9l at Epsom but that effort came against the outstanding Love and there is nothing of that filly’s quality in the line-up. She is unquestionably one of the foremost contenders.

Even So: Looked a decent type last season and has confirmed that impression this year with her efforts including a fine fifth in the Irish 1000 Guineas before she edged out Laburnum in the Listed Oaks Trial at Naas two weeks ago. The step up to this trip will work in her favour and she is not one to underestimate.

Laburnum: Promising sort who followed a debut win at Gowran Park with a narrow defeat against Even So at Naas last time. Can definitely progress again and remains a filly of considerable promise, but she will have to take another step forward.

New York Girl: Talented filly who won a Group 3 on her second start last season before returning with a good fourth in the Irish 1000 Guineas. She could never quite work her way into the reckoning when seventh in the Irish Derby last time but she will find this an easier assignment and a return to form looks entirely possible.

Passion: Ran well for a long way in the Oaks at Epsom when helping to force a good pace before dropping away over the last two furlongs. She did also ran well when third in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot and is not a forlorn hope if turning up at her best.

Snow: Sister to Kew Gardens who has progressed very well with every run this season, the most recent of which saw her land a Group 3 over 1m 4f at Cork two weeks ago. Could easily progress further and is heading in the right direction, which makes her a lively one.

Yaxeni: Decent type who has run to a fair level in two Group 3s so far this season. She has finished behind Snow on both occasions though and will have to take a step forward if she is to play a leading role this time.

Conclusion

Cayenne Pepper is the highest rated runner in the field and sets a good standard. Her comeback run was encouraging and now that she steps up to this trip she could come into her own. She is preferred to the Oaks second Ennistymon, while it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see New York Girl bounce back following her unplaced run in the Irish Derby.