Architecture can rebuild reputation in Irish Oaks
Published:
David Metcalf | July 14, 2016
Architecture can deliver under Dettori in Irish Oaks
Architecture looks decent value to provide trainer Hugo Palmer with back-to-back successes in the Irish Oaks at The Curragh on Saturday (17:45).
The Newmarket handler saddled Covert Love to land the fillies’ Classic 12 months ago, and in Architecture has a filly who – prior to disappointing last time out – had shown progressive form in two runs this season.
After going down by just a neck on return to action in a Listed contest at Lingfield, the three-year-old ran an absolute screamer when second of nine to Minding in the Investec Oaks at Epsom.
Super effort in English equivalent
Architecture travelled strongly at the rear of the field before making stealthy headway four from home to take up the running two out.
The daughter of Zoffany looked the likely winner at the stage but had no answer to Minding’s potent turn of foot inside the last.
However, she stuck to the task well to go down by just 1 3/4 lengths and the pair pulled eight lengths clear of the the third home Harlequeen and had the field strung out like washing.
Architecture has nothing to fear from Harlequeen on that running, or the re-opposing Somehow, Seventh Heaven and Turret Rocks who finished a distant fourth, sixth and seventh respectively.
Ribblesdale run easily excused
Connections decided to let Architecture take her chance in the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot just 13 days after that gruelling effort but it was to be a plan which backfired.
She raced far too freely before weakening to finish a five length eighth of 14 to Even Song and the race clearly came too quick following her Epsom exertions.
There can be little doubt that Architecture is far better than that running, so punters should be prepared to put a line through it.
Epsom form the strongest on offer
Connections have since wisely given her a break to freshen-up, so it would be no surprise to see Architecture bounce back and show what she is really made of.
Her run behind Minding looks the strongest form on offer, and Architecture’s rating of 113 is the highest in the line-up.
It gives her 3lb in hand on the red-hot favourite Even Song and, although that rival remains unexposed after just four starts, the selection also has untapped potential after just five outings.
Architecture also has the services in the saddle of Frankie Dettori, who has won the 1m 4f contest on three occasions and is a master tactician when it comes to the major races.
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Coral’s top tip: With deadly Dettori on board and that slight weight advantage over Even Song, Architecture looks a constructive bet for the Irish Oaks.
