Curragh The Aim For Silkwood

Michael Jarvis is keeping his fingers crossed Silkwood will finally get a shot at Classic glory in the Darley Irish Oaks on Sunday week.

The Singspiel filly missed an intended run in the Oaks at Epsom last month due to rain-softened conditions but gained some compensation when strolling to a five-length victory in the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Although she is not entered in the big race at the Curragh on July 15, Jarvis is certain owner Sheikh Mohammed will stump up the 50,000 euros to supplement the filly if the ground is suitable.

'We wish to run her in the Irish Oaks a week on Sunday but the ground would have to dry out,' said the Newmarket handler.

'It´s a week and a half away and if the weather changes and the ground dries up, I think Sheikh Mohammed would be quite pleased to supplement her for the race.

'She was confirmed at the five-day entry for the Epsom Oaks but before the Oaks it rained quite heavily and it was certainly on the soft side on Oaks day,' Jarvis explained to At The Races.

'It was a big call for use to withdraw her but we just felt she´s not at her best when the ground is soft.'

Silkwood, winner of three of her four starts, could clash again with Ascot runner-up All My Loving at the Curragh after her trainer Aidan O´Brien confirmed the filly to be on target for the Curragh.

(C) PA Sport