Sariska went off as the even-money favourite at the Curragh.

Sariska completed a famous Classic double as she cruised to victory in the Irish Oaks at the Curragh.

The Michael Bell-trained filly, ridden by Jamie Spencer, romped clear of Roses For The Lady to add this crown to the Epsom Oaks that she won last month.

Henry Cecil's Midday, who battled all the way with Sariska at Epsom, had to settle for third.

"She had been working so well. Coming into the race I hate to say it but I thought she would win," said Bell.

"That was very, very impressive. I think now we will go for the Yorkshire Oaks (August 20) and then sit down and have a serious think about her autumn campaign.

"Obviously she would have to be supplemented for the Arc, but you want to take on the best and she is such a good filly it would be insane not to have a dart at it."

Cecil was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "With the ground she wasn't able to quicken, although I feared the winner would improve and she won very easily.

"I wouldn't want to take her on again and we might go to Goodwood (Nassau Stakes)."

Sariska, the even-money favourite, was settled towards the rear early on and as Midday started to fade half a mile from the winning post, Sariska continued to be full of running.

The fancied John Oxx runner Beauty O 'Gwaun also dropped away and Spencer, who looked supremely confident on board, barely had to move as his mount glided clear.

Sariska went on to finish three lengths clear of Oxx's less fancied Roses For The Lady who had taken up much of the running.

Irish Oaks (1m 4f)
1 Sariska (J P Spencer) Evens Fav
2 Roses For The Lady (F M Berry) 25-1
3 Midday (T P Queally) 9-2

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