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Forest Fairy leads the line for Beckett duo in Cheshire Oaks

Ralph Beckett saddles two intriguing runners in the Listed Cheshire Oaks on Wednesday.

Trainer: Ralph Beckett.
Trainer: Ralph Beckett. Picture: Pat Healy Photography

The Kipton Downs-based handler looks to hold strong claims in the one-mile three and a half furlong Listed prize with impressive Wolverhampton debut winner Forest Fairy, who holds entries in both the Betfred Oaks at Epsom and the Ribblesdale Stakes at Ascot.

"It was a good effort first time and I don't think we were expecting it," explained Ralph Beckett.

"She has done well for the time she has been given in between. She's a tall, well-balanced filly who has worked well on the grass at home and we're looking forward to it.

"This is the right place for her and she's been training well in the run up to it."

Forest Fairy, currently an 11/4 chance with bookmakers Paddy Power, will be joined by stablemate Seaward, who was last seen tasting Group 1 company towards the backend of 2023.

Beckett added: "We set her a stiff task last year, but she has wintered well and she's a handy filly who will handle the track well in our view.

"We're drawn well with both fillies which is always a big help (at Chester)."

Unlike his father Aidan, Joseph O'Brien is yet to taste Cheshire Oaks success but all that could change as he saddles the highly promising Galileo Dame on the Roodee this afternoon.

The daughter of 2000 Guineas hero Galileo Gold built on a pleasing debut effort at Gowran Park last year when getting off the mark at Leopardstown recently, and O'Brien is looking forward to seeing her step up in trip and grade.

"She won really nicely at Leopardstown and now steps up slightly in trip which we think she will handle fine," said O'Brien.

"Her two runs so far have been on soft ground, so getting on better ground will be a slight unknown for her.

"However, we think she is a nice filly who will be able to hold her own in Listed company going forward."


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