Late decision expected on Precise for the Oaks, says O’Brien

Aidan O’Brien expects a decision on whether Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Precise will bid for a quickfire Classic double in the Betfred Oaks on Friday week to be left late.

A dual Group One-winning two-year-old last season, the Starspangledbanner filly was well beaten following a rushed preparation for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on her reappearance, but raised her game to beat her stablemate and Newmarket heroine True Love comprehensively in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh at the weekend.

Connections must now decide whether to step Precise up to a mile and a half for the first time at Epsom or stick to a mile in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot next month, where she is again likely to meet True Love.

Speaking on Sky Sports Racing on Thursday, O’Brien said: “She seems to have come out of it very well and it’s very possible she could go to the Oaks. We obviously don’t have to decide yet, she’s only done a couple of quiet canters (since the Irish Guineas) and everyone seems very happy with her.

“Whether she’ll stay or not is the thing. She improved a lot from Newmarket to the Curragh and we felt she will improve a good bit more.

“Her choices are to go to Epsom or go and run against True Love in the Coronation. Obviously there is only one Oaks, the Classics are how all the generations are gauged and whether the lads want to do that or not, I’m not sure yet – I don’t think they’ve made their minds up.

“Obviously you’d be going into unknown territory. We felt she’d have no problem getting a mile and a quarter this year and usually those good, classy horses that are able to deal with a mile and a quarter at the top level are able to get away with the mile and a half.

“The lads will probably leave her as long as they can to see how well she is and then they’ll make the decision, but it is possible she could go (to Epsom) definitely.”

On the quick turnaround, he added: “It is only two weeks and we have done it before. It’s whether you take the chance or not to do it.

“If she does go to Ascot she probably will improve again from the Curragh, or you’re going back after two weeks to Epsom and going a mile and a half for the first time. All those things are exciting and interesting and makes the whole game what it is.”