Riposte and Venus De Milo will run in Darley Irish Oaks at Curragh on Saturday evening after connections stumped up the 40,000 euro required.

Riposte, who is trained by Lady Cecil, impressed last time out when winning the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and owner Khalid Abdullah is keen for her to race in the Irish Classic.

Aidan O’Brien’s Venus De Milo remains unbeaten after claiming an Oaks trials at Naas towards the end of last month, and will also go.

Thirteen fillies are expected to make up the field on Saturday evening after Ralph Beckett also confirmed that Talent will race and could be joined by Secret Gesture.

Talent, who sprung a big surprise when pipping her stablemate to victory in the Investec Oaks at the end of May, is a definite starter but Secret Gesture could yet be left out.

The Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood and the German Oaks are alternatives and Beckett has yet to make up his mind.

“Both fillies have been left in the race,” he said. “Talent will definitely run, but we won’t make a decision on whether Secret Gesture will run until declaration time.

“Both horses are fine and in good form.”

Jim Crowley will take the ride of Talent, replacing Richard Hughes, who partnered her to glory in the Oaks, while Jamie Spencer will ride Secret Gesture if she runs.

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