Irish runners abroad: Aidan O'Brien aiming for seventh European Classic this season The beauty of the Flat season is the non-stop procession from one Group 1 meeting to the next. This weekend is a prime example, when the Prix de Diane (French Oaks) is sandwiched between Epsom’s Derby meeting and the five-day spectacle of Royal Ascot. We barely have time to reflect before another high-class card is upon us and we normally witness Aidan O’Brien landing yet another Classic. On Sunday, he attempts to win a remarkable seventh European Classic of the Flat season in a race he has only won once. Diamond Necklace Ireland’s leading hope in French Oaks Ballydoyle’s French 1000 Guineas winner, Diamond Necklace, is odds-on favourite to land another big prize under Ryan Moore. Stepping up to 1m2f for the first time, the three-year-old will attempt to follow up on her sublime effort to win the French 1000 Guineas at Longchamp last month where she shrugged off her rivals by three lengths in torrential rain. The unbeaten daughter of St Mark’s Basilica has been a breakout horse for the Coolmore stallion and possesses many of her sire’s traits, most notably her exceptional class and impressive turn of foot. Her sire was a French Derby winner so the step up in distance could see more improvement and she has shown her versatility when it comes to ground conditions. O’Brien also saddles Moments Of Joy, the ride of Wayne Lordon, who finished fourth in the Musidora Stakes at York and O’Brien has stated this week that he thinks she will be well suited to the track and trip. English challenge is strong The English challenge is worth keeping an eye on with Lilt the most fancied for trainer William Haggas. The daughter of Lope De Vega has won both her starts, including a ready victory in a Listed race at York. Haggas is not a trainer to run horses he doesn’t believe are in with a chance. Trainer Karl Burke has his horses firing and saddles Evolutionist, a Group 3 winner in France before going on to finish second behind True Love in the English 1000 Guineas. He believes the step up in trip will suit and the team is bursting with confidence on her chances. Felicitas represents Ed Walker and Kieran Shoemark, who have been enjoying a purple patch. The filly has good form having finished second to English Oaks runner-up Legacy Link at York. Oisin Murphy is booked aboard Inis Mor for David Menuisier, while Brian Meehan is represented by Esna. Christopher Head sends the leading hope for the home team in Green Spirit, while Pink Panthera, Evita and Habibi round up the French contingent.
