Lady Cecil believes Riposte has only improved since her recent Royal Ascot win and is confident she can continue her fine form in Darley Irish Oaks.
The three-year-old came home two and a quarter lengths ahead of Just Pretending in the Ribblesdale Stakes at the Royal meeting to claim her second win in three career outings after previous success at Newmarket.
Saturday’s Group One affair at the Curragh will represent a step up in class for the horse, with the likes of Talent, Alive Alive Oh and Secret Gesture also in the field for one of flat racing’s biggest prizes.
Riposte was only entered into the race by owner Khalid Abdullah on Monday, but already expectations are high for the filly and it would certainly be a popular win as the sport remembers her previous trainer Sir Henry Cecil, who died last month.
His wife Lady Jane has since taken over his racing licence and with Tom Queally once again set to be in the saddle, the trainer is confident her improving charge can repeat her Royal Ascot triumph by claiming Irish Oaks glory.
“It would be wonderful for everyone at Warren Place if she could win, but just going to an Irish Oaks with a filly who has a chance is lovely,” she told the Racing Post. “We’re happy with her and she has improved since Ascot.
“We have liked her all year but the Oaks came too quick for her. You couldn’t have asked for more than she did at Ascot but we do think she’s come on again since then.”
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