Harrington Aims to Add Irish Oaks With Magical Lagoon

John and Thady Gosden's misfortune could be Jessica Harrington's gain as she aims to add a first Juddmonte Irish Oaks (G1) success to her glittering CV with Royal Ascot star Magical Lagoon .

News of hot favorite Emily Upjohn 's absence from the Curragh Classic due to transport difficulties has blown the contest open, with the Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) winner now viewed by layers as the one to beat.

Harrington has gone close to plundering this prize in recent years. Jack Naylor found only Covert Love too good in 2015, while Cayenne Pepper was also second behind Even So in 2020.

Skipping the Cazoo Oaks (G1) at Epsom for a tilt at the Ribblesdale proved an inspired move from the Commonstown team, which has been in excellent form in recent weeks.

"We were absolutely thrilled with (Magical Lagoon) at Ascot," said Harrington.

"She had proved last year she was a good filly when winning a group 3 at the Curragh, but she didn't really handle Newmarket that well when we ran her in the (Bet365) Fillies' Mile (G1)."

Harrington added: "We weren't certain if she'd come down the hill at Epsom so we made the decision to go straight to the Ribblesdale—thankfully it paid off."

There are no questions over Magical Lagoon's stamina. She is a pretty stoutly bred daughter of Galileo  who won over the trip last time. 

"She stays every yard of a mile and a half, and they went a good gallop last time when she was very gutsy," said Harrington. "She's drawn widest but there are only seven runners so I don't mind. She likes a bit of space around her."

The Cheltenham Gold Cup (G1) and Irish Grand National-winning trainer also saddles outsider Fennela, who won a maiden at this venue last month.

Harrington said: "She's only won a maiden but is the most beautifully bred filly, being out of Green Room. That makes her a half sister to group 1 winners Lord Shanakill, Forever Together, and Together Forever.

"She's a very genuine and tough filly who needs this trip. It would be fantastic if she managed to get a place."

Best is Yet to Come From Toy

Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien were untouchable in this race 12 months ago with the spectacular Snowfall , but the pair do not hold such obvious claims this time.

Toy, bred in the purple and a sister to seven winners, is set to be one of the outsiders in the field after failing to land a blow in the Emirates Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (G1) and Prix de Diane Longines (G1).

However, O'Brien is optimistic there is more to come from the runaway Cork maiden winner.

"Toy has never run over a mile and a half so that will be interesting," said O'Brien. "We've been happy with her lately. We don't think you have seen the best of her on the track yet."

O'Brien has three runners in a bid to win the race for a record seventh time. He is the joint-most successful trainer in the race alongside Sir Michael Stoute with six victories.

O'Brien said of his other candidates: "Emily Dickinson  gets a mile and a half well and even a bit further. She came home very well at Leopardstown last time. We were delighted with her there.

"History  ran a nice race in the Ribblesdale and we still think she's progressing.