Aidan O’Brien has suggested it’ll be left until late regarding Precise’s participation in the Oaks next weekend. The Starspangledbanner filly made giant strides last season after finishing second on debut. She landed a Group 1 double, the Moyglare and the Fillies’ Mile, but failed to land a blow on reappearance.
She was ridden cold in rear by Ryan Moore in the 1000 Guineas, and was never put into the race. However, she evidently came on strongly, as she reversed the form with the winner, beating her into second.
If staying at a mile, Precise will likely bump into True Love again in the Coronation Stakes. If not, then we will likely see her take her place in the Classic next weekend. Speaking on Sky Sports Racing, via Racing TV, Aidan O’Brien said: “She seems to have come out of it very well and it’s very possible she could go to the Oaks. We obviously don’t have to decide yet. She’s only done a couple of quiet canters and everyone seems very happy with her.
“Whether she’ll stay or not is the thing. She improved a lot from Newmarket to the Curragh and we felt she will improve a good bit more.
“Her choices are to go to Epsom or go and run against True Love in the Coronation. Obviously there is only one Oaks. The Classics are how all the generations are gauged and whether the lads want to do that or not. I’m not sure yet – I don’t think they’ve made their minds up.
“It’s only two weeks and we have done it before” – Aidan O’Brien
By Starspangledbanner, she isn’t typically bred to appreciate the twelve furlongs. However, there is stamina on the dam-side as her dam is a sister to 2016 Ascot Gold Cup second Kingfisher. O’Brien continued: “Obviously you’d be going into unknown territory. We felt she’d have no problem getting a mile and a quarter this year. Usually those good, classy horses that are able to deal with a mile and a quarter at the top level are able to get away with the mile and a half.
“The lads will probably leave her as long as they can to see how well she is. Then they’ll make the decision, but it is possible she could go definitely.”
Regarding the quick turnaround, O’Brien said: “It is only two weeks and we have done it before. It’s whether you take the chance or not to do it. If she does go to Ascot she probably will improve again from the Curragh. Or you’re going back after two weeks to Epsom and going a mile and a half for the first time. All those things are exciting and interesting and makes the whole game what it is.”