Ian Fortune
After sending out each of the five opening round heat winners in the Bernard Barry Christmas Oaks at Shelbourne Park last weekend, it’s no surprise to see Graham Holland with a strong hand in the ante-post market.
Indeed, the top three in the betting are trained at his all-conquering Riverside Kennels operation. Ballydoyle Tina was imperious in the opening round, showing huge pace and strength to emerge a facile winner.
She seems destined to be a star and is now just 3-1 with BOYLE Sports for Christmas Oaks success. Her kennel companions Bushpark Mel and defending champion Silverhill Freya are next in with the dup on 9-2.
The Pat Guilfoyle trained Laurels champion Magical On Fire is next in at 5-1. She overcame bad opening bend traffic to finish an eye-catching second in the opening round. There is then a gap to the remainder with Singalong Polly, Lone Calling and 2024 Oaks champion and Derby finalist A Lucky Julie each available at 12-1. It’s 14-1 bar. The full market can be found below:
Bernard Barry Christmas Oaks
BOYLE Sports bet:
3 BALLYDOYLE TINA
9-2 SILVERHILL FREYA
9-2 BUSHPARK MEL
5 MAGICAL ON FIRE
12 SINGALONG POLLY
12 LONE CALLING
12 A LUCKY JULIE
14 RIVERSIDE POPSIE
16 DROOPYS BUNDLE
20 RURAL ANA
20 IMOKILLY ROXANNE
25 BADLY BEHAVING
25 MAGICAL HOPE
25 AGHADOWN FLIGHT
33 BROCKAGH JUSTINE
40 KILCOLGAN WITNEY
66 BURGESS HAZEL
100 TEMPLEVILLE MEG