2026 Irish Oaks Tips - British raider can claim Classic glory at the Curragh

Jon Vine

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Last updated: Thu 16 Jul 2026 10:42

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Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Irish Oaks
This Classic takes place at the Curragh on Saturday 18th July
Inis Mor is our selection at 6/1

Inis Mor (right) finishing third behind Diamond Necklace in the 2026 Prix de Diane. (Getty)

43 days after the British equivalent took place at Epsom, some of the sport's top fillies will battle it out in the Irish Oaks this weekend. Many fillies have completed the Oaks double at the Curragh down the years, and this year's Epsom heroine will line up in Saturday's field.

Here's our free guide to the 2026 Irish Oaks, including our best betting tips.

2026 Irish Oaks Odds

Name	Odds
Earth Shot	3/1
Thundering On	3/1
Amelia Earhart	5/1
Johanna Walsh	6/1
Inis Mor	6/1
Sparan Nua	6/1
Bar	14/1

2026 Irish Oaks Runners

Thundering On ran out a hugely impressive winner of the Oaks at Epsom, and carried a short price into the Pretty Polly Stakes last month. Joseph O'Brien's filly made her customary challenge from the rear, but could never quicken past Estrange, and crossed the line fourth behind three older horses.

That defeat has resulted in Thundering On only holding joint-favourite status for Ireland's equivalent of the Oaks. She's joined at the top of the market by William Haggas' Earth Shot, who swooped home late to land the Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Thundering On's stablemate, Johanna Walsh ran a cracker to finish second at Royal Ascot, and could join Joseph's Classic winner in the field. Aidan O'Brien's leading chance is Amelia Earhart, despite just a sixth-place finish in the Epsom Oaks.

There have been several supplementary entries for Saturday's Classic. Jim Bolger has thrown unbeaten Group Three winner Sparan Nua into the Irish Oaks. David Menuisier will now be represented by Height Of Fashion Stakes scorer Inis Mor. Joseph O'Brien has bolstered his team with unbeaten Group Three winner Rebel Moon.

Epsom third, Sugar Island could be on pacemaking duties for Ballydoyle again. Aidan O'Brien could also be represented by Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Cameo, Pretty Polly sixth Beautify, and Ribblesdale fifth Composing.

2026 Irish Oaks Tips

We have to start with Thundering On, as she looks to complete the Oaks double. Joseph O'Brien's filly powered home from the rear to land the Epsom Classic, and attempted similar tactics in the Pretty Polly Stakes.

Thundering On raced a little keenly early on, as her stablemate Wemighttakedlongway forced a strong pace alongside the front-running Qilin Queen. Dylan Browne McMonagle angled out turning for home and asked the favourite for her effort. Yet, the turn of foot we saw at Epsom never materialised, and Thundering On's challenge flattened out tamely.

Aidan O'Brien will want a strong pace for Amelia Earhart. Sugar Island is likely to be on pacemaking duties again, and Cameo shouldn't be too far off the early gallop. Thundering On has had three weeks to recover from that tough race in the Pretty Polly, and this race should be run to suit. Can she bounce back to her best? Only time will tell, but after that defeat on similar ground, I'm prepared to take her on.

Earth Shot did well to win the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, and William Haggas' filly is a major player. INIS MOR (6/1) got the better of that rival when they met in the Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood before skipping the Oaks for a crack at the Prix de Diane.

Oisin Murphy took the ride in that French Classic, positioning Inis Mor handily behind the leaders. Turning for home, David Menuisier's filly split the pacemakers and hit the front. However, Inis Mor got there a little too soon, was passed by Diamond Necklace and Pink Panthera inside the final furlong, and kept on one-paced to finish third.

This looks the ideal time to step Inis Mor up in trip. David Menuisier's filly is bred to stay, being by Galiway and out of a mare who won over two miles during her career.

Inis Mor has handled this sort of ground on several occasions, takes a bend well, and remains open to further improvement over this longer trip. Oisin Murphy will be keen not to commit too early, and the strong pace Ballydoyle is likely to set should suit this strong-travelling filly perfectly.