Horse Racing
Thundering On set to chase Classic double in Irish Oaks
Thundering On is likely to get the chance to secure a Classic double, with Joseph O’Brien looking forward to seeing his Epsom heroine in the Juddmonte Irish Oaks on Saturday.
The daughter of Frankel dazzled on the Surrey Downs when scorching clear of Legacy Link for a famous triumph in the Oaks, but saw momentum checked against her elders when dropping back to 10 furlongs in the Pretty Polly last time out.
However, her handler has been happy with her progress on the training grounds since and is poised to give his star filly the chance to repeat the exploits of his father Aidan’s Minnie Hauk 12 months ago by winning a version of the Oaks both in England and at the Curragh.
O’Brien said: “I think she will turn up in the Irish Oaks and I’ve been happy with how she has been training the last couple of weeks.
“She’s trained well since the Pretty Polly and we’re looking forward to seeing her back on the track.
“Going back up in trip should suit her well hopefully.”
Thundering On is currently disputing Irish Oaks favouritism with William Haggas’ Earth Shot, who edged out another O’Brien possible for the race, Johanna Walsh, when only a head separated the pair in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.
O’Brien added: “I think the plan is for Johanna Walsh to run as well and she ran well in the Ribblesdale.”
