Iridessa’s hard to resist

Joseph o’Brien has wasted little time claiming Classic glory in the early stages of his training career and IRIDESSA (Curragh, 5.10) may become the latest to add her name to an impressive roll call in today’s irish oaks. Admittedly, the daughter of Derby winner ruler of The World must prove her stamina at the 12-furlong trip. however, her breeding suggests it should be within her compass and the manner of her win at today’s venue in a hot renewal of last month’s pretty polly stakes suggests she may improve for a stiffer test. A comprehensive defeat of Magic Wand and today’s rival pink Dogwood — trained by Joseph’s father Aiden o’Brien — was achieved in spectacular fashion, with her four adversaries that day struggling to cope with iridessa’s late change of gear. if her energy can be conserved in the same manner this afternoon, then the turn of foot which saw her win the Fillies’ Mile as a two-year-old could prove hard to resist. A strong British contingent will ensure this is anything but straightforward, with star Catcher and Manuela De Vega likely to appreciate any rain at the Curragh. The track should play to the strengths of both. however, iridessa has experience of the track and can make that count.