Former Group 1-winning jockey and top pundit Fran Berry looks ahead to the key action
Former Group 1-winning jockey and top pundit Fran Berry looks ahead to the key action

Fran Berry: Nights at the price at the Curragh on Irish Oaks day


Fran Berry previews the Juddmonte Irish Oaks and has one each-way bet on the Curragh under card for Joseph O'Brien.

Recommended bets

1pt e.w Thundering Nights in 5.15 Curragh at 8/1

For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record


It’s the Juddmonte Irish Oaks at the Curragh this evening and I was tempted by Even So each-way at 10/1, but I’ll leave her off the bets as so many have chances.

With Cayenne Pepper and Ennistymon in the field you’d be hoping a superstar comes out of the field, but the latter has had four quick runs now and that is on my mind with her.

Cayenne Pepper ran well on her seasonal debut at the Curragh behind Magical but she does look a very short price at 7/4.

Even So impressed me in that Naas Listed race last time out as she showed good determination when she was joined by Laburnum and I’m sure stepping up to 1m4f will see her in an even better light.

The problem is it looks a deep race as you’d give chances to Aidan O’Brien’s Passion and Snow, as well, with the latter, Kew Gardens’ sister, particularly interesting if they go a strong gallop – which I think they will.

It looks a race to watch and enjoy and hopefully we’ll learn plenty from it.

As for bets I do like the look of THUNDERING NIGHTS each-way in the Sentinel Ireland Equine Products Handicap at 5.15.

The market leaders are worth taking on as Sonnyboyliston has gone up a few pounds and is quite short in the betting, while Thames River was disappointing on his grass debut and I’m not sure he’ll like the cut in the ground.

We haven’t seen Thundering Nights since Galway last year and we’re taking it on trust she’s ready to go, but I’m happy to do that at the prices.

She was an eye-catching fourth at Gowran last October and really stepped up to win at Galway in a maiden that has worked out well.

That proves she’ll love the bit of cut in the ground, as most progeny of Night Of Thunder do, so she’ll be fine in today’s conditions and she’s got a very nice draw in stall one, as well.

Posted at 1235 BST on 18/07/20


Responsible gambling

We are committed in our support of responsible gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

Sky Bet's responsible gambling tools are detailed here and if you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org.

Further support and information can be found at GamCare and gamblingtherapy.org.

Like what you've read?

Next Off

Sporting Life
My Stable
Follow and track your favourite Horses, Jockeys and Trainers. Never miss a race with automated alerts.
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Click HERE for more information

Most Followed

MOST READ RACING