O'Brien five in French Oaks mix Dual Group One winner Happily is one of five potential runners for Aidan O'Brien in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly on Sunday. The Ballydoyle handler has never previously won the French Oaks but has a formidable team in contention for this year's renewal following the first forfeit stage. Happily has finished third in both the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket and the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh this spring and could test her powers at a mile and a quarter for the first time this weekend. Recent Fairyhouse maiden winner Athena, Epsom Oaks third Bye Bye Baby, Easter Lily and Sizzling complete the O’Brien-trained quintet. The two remaining British hopefuls are Charlie Appleby’s Wild Illusion and Laurens from Karl Burke’s yard. Wild Illusion was fourth in the 1000 Guineas and second in the Oaks at Epsom, while Laurens was runner-up in the Newmarket Classic before going one better in the Group One Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp.
