Almost a quarter of a century has passed since Jim Bolger last won the Irish Oaks but Sparan Nua is bidding to give the veteran trainer a fairytale success this weekend.
The 84-year-old trainer first landed the fillies Classic in 1983 with Give Thanks, before waiting nearly two decades for his next winner when Margarula sprang a 33/1 upset by beating Aidan O'Brien hotpot Quarter Moon.
Now, Bolger is back in the big time with unbeaten filly Sparan Nua, who is all set to take on the big guns at the Curragh when runners go to post on Saturday.
Currently three from three since making her debut in May, Sparan Nua would be a particularly poignant winner for Bolger given the history he has with her bloodline.
New Approach, her grandsire, remains Bolger's sole Derby winner, while Dawn Approach, her sire, landed Classic success of his own in the 2,000 Guineas as well as two races at Royal Ascot.
Bolger paid a fee of €50,000 to supplement his star filly for the race and is relishing the challenge.
“She’s unbeaten in three runs, she’s a filly who is improving and she’s already won a Group Three. We didn’t want to leave her hanging around, so we thought we’d give the (Irish) Oaks a go,” Bolger told Racing TV.
“She seems to stay well and she’s in very good form, so I’m hopeful that she’ll give her true running. I do think she’s improving and I think she’ll continue to improve for some time – they’re the indications she’s been giving us.”
With future entries in the Nassau Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks, there is plenty of confidence that Sparan Nua can develop into an elite level performer.
Saturday will be her toughest test to date, however, with Epsom Oaks winner Thundering On the headline act, alongside Earth Shot who was ridden to Ribblesdale victory by James Doyle.
It wouldn't be an Irish Group 1 -- or Group 1 anywhere in Europe for that matter -- without Aidan O'Brien, and while his entries may lack a real superstar, it would be foolish to completely disregard Cheshire Oaks winner Amelia Earhart.
Irish Oaks declarations
- Amelia Earhart
- Beautify
- Cameo
- Composing
- Earth Shot
- Inis Mor
- Johanna Walsh
- Rebel Moon
- Sparan Nua
- Sugar Island
- Thundering On
