O’BRIEN EYES 40TH PRIZE

AIDAN O’BRIEN chases an astonishing 40th Irish Classic with a threepronged assault on the Irish Oaks (5.30, ATR) at the Curragh today. Oaks heroine Forever Together, Royal Ascot winner Magic Wand and Bye Bye Baby join forces in a bid to give O’Brien (right) a sixth triumph in the fillies’ test.

Ryan Moore’s choice Magic Wand is Paddy Power’s 6-5 favourite, and O’Brien, still searching for his first Irish Classic of 2018, said: “She’s in good form since Ascot — we’re very happy with her.”

But William Haggas’ raider Sea Of Class seeks to spoil the O’Brien party. Unraced at two, Sea Of Class has progressed to win Listed contests at Newbury on her last two starts. “We thought we’d skip the Oaks at Epsom and she pleased us in a spin on the July Course at Newmarket last week,” said Haggas, “so we’re excited.”