DISTANT OASIS, impressive winner of the Insulpak Conditions Stakes at Ascot on May 1st, has been supplemented for the Airlie Coolmore Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on May 25th by her owner Fahd Salman.
The Henry Cecil trained debutante slaughtered a decent field, headed at a respectful distance of two and a half lengths by Tawaaded, on Victoria Cup day and seems to have improved enough in the meantime to warrant the added expense.
Prince Fahd yesterday said: "This may prove to be an expensive mistake, but I have felt strongly that she should be allowed to take her chance ever since she won so impressively at Ascot."
Henry Cecil's assistant, Simon Sweeting, speaking from Newmarket yesterday, confirmed the news and added: "I think she has definitely come on for the race, but it is difficult to say how good she is. I suppose there is on one way to find out."
Connections laid out £18,500 for the privilege at the final supplementary entry stage on Tuesday.
. Bob Baffert, still reeling from the body blow of losing the Kentucky Derby in the last stride with Cavonnier, has high hopes that his charge can go one better in the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico today.
The Santa Anita Derby winner, well drawn in two, was reported to be "super duper cherry mundo" by his ecstatic trainer after a sparkling piece of work at Churchill Downs on Tuesday, and Chris McCarron's mount remains the one they all have to beat.
The gelding's most fearsome opponents look to be two of three Wayne Lukas runners, Prince of Thieves and Editor's Note, especially considering that trainer's magnificent recent record in American Triple Crown events.