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Saturday horse racing tips: Johnny Ward's Irish Oaks day picks

Last Updated: Sat 18 Jul 2026

Irish racing expert Johnny Ward has a selection for Saturday's Irish Oaks, as well as two big-priced fancies in two of the sprints. Watch every race live on Racing TV.

It's a busy day on the channel if you're not racing and feel inclined to escape the heat on the couch.

The Irish attack the Betway Summer Plate with a strong team at Market Rasen, and I am greatly looking forward to the Curragh.

Here are three at Flat headquarters.

2.50 Curragh: City House

Finished: 11thSP: 10/1

This horse's Habitat run behind Headmaster could be the key to this – he looked very unlucky not to get involved.

He shapes as though this trip could be perfect but he definitely needs a good pace I feel.

There's no doubt he can get involved if he gets that for a trainer greatly respected in this type of race.

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4.00 Curragh: Switching Sides

Finished: 5thSP: 12/1

None of the shorter-price horses here look stars and the 14-1 about Jessica Harrington's runner is worth taking.

He had a slightly messy passage at Fairyhouse but looked smart, and it is notable how well-regarded the third, Trean is, as the Paddy Twomey-trained sprinter was sent off 13-8 on his next start at the Curragh despite taking on Abraham Lincoln.

By a reliable sire in Kodiac, Switching Sides should run a very respectable race at worst and perhaps improve enough to win.

4.35 Curragh: Thundering On

Johnny Ward

Thundering On

16:35 Curragh

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: J P O'Brien

85/40

Outrageously impressive at Epsom, she was 11-10 despite dropping to ten furlongs and taking on the older horses in the Pretty Polly, a run that was better than implied by the bookmakers' reaction here, offering 5-2.

One bookmaker is even betting four places and I can't see how she is not in the first four unless she flops.

Sparan Nua might be a shade big at 10s, too.