IT'S OVER quarter of a century since Michael Kinane won his first Irish Classic and one of Ireland's greatest jockeys can make it number 14 if Katiyra lands tomorrow's Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh.
Since Dara Monarch sprang a 20 to 1 shock in the 1982 2,000 Guineas, Kinane has won all five of the Irish classics at least twice and his tally going into tomorrow is currently at the "unlucky 13" mark. They only tell part of a remarkable story that has seen the legendary rider become a world-wide figure and in the process transform the perception of Ireland-based jockeys throughout the industry.
Admittedly success at the highest level has become more scarce for the 49-year-old Tipperary-born rider in the last couple of seasons but Katiyra looks to have good credentials for following in the hoof-prints of Kinane's former Oaks winners, Alydaress (1989) and Dance Design (1996). However, to do so she will have to overcome a massive six-strong challenge from Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle yard, which is headed by Moonstone.
Throw in the Dermot Weld duo Mad About You and Chinese White, a pair of British raiders and a French runner that represents the form of Europe's outstanding three-year-old filly Zarkava, and the ingredients are in place for an intriguing Classic.
Gagnoa is the Andre Fabre raider and she was ridden by Johnny Murtagh when runner-up to Zarkava in the French Oaks. Placed form behind the Aga Khan's superstar filly worked for Halfway To Heaven in the 1,000 Guineas here in May but significantly, Murtagh has had no hesitation in plumping for Moonstone.
It's not hard to see why as Moonstone did best of a supposedly top-notch Irish team when runner-up to Look Here at Epsom last month. Strictly on that form she has almost three lengths in hand of Katiyra but reading that too literally could be very dangerous and there is also a reluctance in many people to back a horse to lose its maiden at the highest class.
In many ways Katiyra ran a blinder to finish third at Epsom as she appeared not to handle the track very well, jumped a path and didn't get a clear run at an important stage. Yet she ran on while giving the impression she would improve for the experience.
John Oxx has reported that Katiyra has enjoyed a trouble-free preparation since and the Curragh track is likely to suit.
Mad About You boasts placed form against Group One older fillies from the Pretty Polly two weeks ago but on pedigree she is not guaranteed to relish a strongly run mile and a half.
Such a pace looks highly probable with such a strong Ballydoyle back-up for Moonstone but over the years the Curragh has seen no one more tactically adept than Kinane and the wily master can steer Katiyra to Classic glory.
Aidan O'Brien has three of the seven runners in the Group Three Anglesey Stakes, with Murtagh on the course winner Westphalia, while the Ballydoyle's number one jockey has chosen the Galileo newcomer, Freemantle, from a collection of blue-blooded options in the opening maiden.
Le Cadre Noir has a lot of weight in the €120,000 Rockingham Handicap but had smart form in Italy and didn't run too badly behind Tax Free in a good sprint two weeks ago.
Barack recovered from a traumatic racing debut at Leopardstown where he ran out through the rails in the straight to record an impressive win at Sligo and may land the Nursery.
