Above The Curve shows Classic potential at Leopardstown
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Joseph O’Brien looks to have a very nice prospect on his hands in the shape of Above The Curve, who was cut to 16-1 for the Cazoo Oaks following an easy victory in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden at Leopardstown.
Available at 40-1 for Epsom with Betfair prior to the race, the daughter of American Pharoah cruised around on the outside under Shane Crosse before quickly putting the race to bed.
Her dam is an unraced half-sister to Giant’s Causeway and the way the 6-5 favourite sprinted two-and-three-quarter-lengths clear of Thoughts Of June it looks like she has plenty of the family’s ability.
“We think a lot of her. She had a really good run last year and she obviously has an amazing pedigree,” said O’Brien.
“We couldn’t ask for more, we’ll see where we go now but we think she’s an Oaks-type filly.
“She’s a very big filly so we’ll be managing her gently, maybe something like the Blue Wind would suit.
“We won’t be throwing her in at the deep end, we’ll take baby steps with her.
“She really is huge, in a way she’s nearly too big and we’ll have to manage her correctly. She hasn’t done anything wrong so far anyway.”
Boundless Ocean atoned for a narrow defeat at the Curragh on his seasonal return when winning the aparto Student (C & G) Maiden.
Jim Bolger’s colt had shown smart form in a couple of Group races at two but was beaten a head by Michael O’Callaghan’s newcomer Malex on the first day of the season.
Kevin Manning kicked clear a furlong out on the 5-4 market leader, with the Johnny Murtagh-trained debutant Flying Dolphin keeping him honest in going down by three-quarters of a length.
Snowfall’s brother Newfoundland was badly outpaced in the straight before staying on nicely when the penny dropped.
“The boss is absolutely delighted with him and the target now will be the Irish Guineas,” said Bolger’s daughter, Una Manning.
“He probably just needed the run the last day.”
Related posts
Epsom gallops morning: what did we learn?
Haydock's two-day weekend meeting abandoned after failed inspection
Dave Nevison's Wednesday tips: "He should go very close"
Derby countdown: why Aidan O'Brien may choose to divide his aces
RaceiQ: will Precise be able to take the Oaks in her stride?
Featured offers
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets with bet365
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get up to a £25 Bonus + 50 free spins with Genting
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved