3:45 Juddmonte Irish Oaks (Group 1) 1m4f

Cairde Go Deo: Caught the eye on her seasonal debut in Salsabil Stakes, coming from further back than ideal to finish third to Concert Hall and Magical Lagoon, although well held. Done little wrong since, winning weak contest by eight lengths at the same course and then outbattling useful Boundless Ocean in King George V Cup (form franked on Thursday). Stays well and looks a significant threat.

Emily Dickinson: Big step up on earlier form this season when just a short head away from Rosscarbery in Group 3 Stanerra Stakes last week (one mile and six furlongs). That run came after a little break and she could well step forward again. Dangerous to discount.

Fennela: Sea The Stars filly has improved through her three maiden runs, winning comfortably over this course and distance earlier in the month. This is a significant step up now and likely too much of an ask to see her involved at the business end.

History: Looked smart winning on her comeback in the Group 3 Cornelscourt at Leopardstown which she followed with a slightly disappointing seventh in the Irish 1000 Guineas. Improved when stepping up to this trip for the Ribblesdale (third) but held with Magical Lagoon on that run. Needs to improve again but could do on just her second start over a mile and a half.

Magical Lagoon: Group 3 winner last season and has progressed well this term; unlucky to lose out to Concert Hall in the Salsabil Stakes before skipping classics paid off with hard fought victory in the Ribblesdale. Very likeable attitude for that win and she looks the one to beat now with Emily Upjohn out.

Show Of Stars: Finished behind Magical Lagoon and Cairde Go Deo in the Salsabil Stakes on her seasonal debut and unlike that pair, she hasn’t really kicked on, notably having failed to take advantage of two small-field conditions races on her previous two starts. Taking a big step up in trip now, but her breeding doesn’t inspire confidence for that move.

Toy: Looked a live classic contender when running out five-length winner of a seven-furlong maiden at Cork in April but struggled to land a blow on two occasions in France. She needs this step up in trip to bring about a lot of required improvement.

Conclusion

This looked fairly straightforward until about 1:30pm yesterday when the news of Emily Upjohn’s omission came through. Magical Lagoon is best placed to take advantage, but Cairde Go Deo looks value to give Ger Lyons another Irish Oaks win. She has done little wrong since finishing third in the Salsabil, and the form of her latest win was given a good boost on Thursday.