Frances Crowley believes that 1000 Guineas sixth Saoire can give her Newmarket conqueror Virginia Waters a run for her money in the Irish equivalent later this month.
Saoire was only beaten four and three-quarter lengths in sixth place by the Aidan O’Brien-trained winner, who had had the benefit of a previous outing this spring.
And Crowley feels that Saoire will have reaped the benefit of that promising seasonal debut if the pair clash in the Boylesports Irish 1000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 22.
“She’ll go for our 1000 and then the Irish Oaks with a race in between, possibly the Pretty Polly Stakes,” Crowley said today.
“We were very happy with her first run and she should improve a lot for it. With the stiffer track at the Curragh, the fact she won’t have to travel and her improvement overall, we think she can get a bit closer this time.
“She will definitely stay further than the mile. She wasn’t very well balanced at Newmarket so we don't think Epsom will suit her.”