Godolphin is doubly represented in the Group One Darley Irish Oaks with Hibaayeb and Miss Jean Brodie lining up in the Classic at the Curragh, Ireland, on Sunday, July 18. ??Hibaayeb bids for a second successive victory after posting a convincing success in the 12-furlong Group Two Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 17, when she quickened clear of her rivals to win by three and three quarter lengths. ??
The three-year-old Singspiel filly, trained by Saeed bin Suroor, started her campaign with two contrasting efforts in Group One company.??
She was an excellent third in the 10-furlong Group One Montjeu Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary at Longchamp, France, on May 23, but faded to come home 16th on her seasonal return in the Group One StanJames.com 1,000 Guineas Stakes over a mile at Newmarket on May 2. ??
Hibaayeb ended last year with a game victory in the Group One Meon Valley Stud Fillies’ Mile at Ascot in September, and was beaten half a length when taking the runner-up spot in the Group Two DFS May Hill Stakes, also over a mile, at Doncaster earlier the same month.
Lightly-raced Miss Jean Brodie makes her third career start in the Darley Irish Oaks following a comfortable victory in a 10-furlong fillies’ maiden at Doncaster on June 26, when she ran on in the closing stages to win by a length and a half. ??The three-year-old daughter of Maria’s Mon, representing Mahmood Al Zarooni, was third on her debut in another 10-furlong fillies’ maiden, on the Polytrack of Kempton Park, on June 16. ??Frankie Dettori is in the saddle on Hibaayeb, with William Buick getting the mount on Miss Jean Brodie. ??Saeed bin Suroor commented: "Hibaayeb is in great form and I am really happy with her. ??"I was very pleased with the way she won at Royal Ascot and I think that she has improved physically since then.
"She is taking on tougher opposition now but, as long as the ground is not too soft, then she can run a big race."??Mahmood Al Zarooni remarked: "Miss Jean Brodie is taking a big step up in class but she has shown ability on both her starts.??"She has improved since her win at Doncaster and I don’t think that she will have a problem with racing over a mile and a half.??"It’s a tough race but I would like too see how good she is and we will know more about her after Sunday’s race."??The Godolphin pair face 14 rivals in the Darley Irish Oaks including Snow Fairy, Meeznah and Remember When, who fought out the finish to the Group One Investec Oaks at Epsom Downs, and Group One Prix de Diane runner-up Rosanara.
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