Irish Rookie in frame for French Oaks

Irish Rookie is likely to be aimed at the Prix de Diane following her gallant effort to finish second in the French 1,000 Guineas on Sunday.

Trainer Martyn Meade was overjoyed with his filly, who was even coming back at the winner, Ervedya, after going clear inside the final furlong.

The fact she finished strongly, rather than get swallowed up by her pursuers, has given Meade hope she will stay the 10 furlongs of the French Oaks at Chantilly on June 14.

"She was certainly coming back at the winner at the line," said the Newmarket handler.

"It was unfortunate that she didn't have the run of the race and she was left in front and then didn't have time to come back at the winner.

"I thought they'd swallow her up but she thought she'd won the race, only to be asked to go again when the winner came past.

"The fact she came back tells me we ought to try her at 10 furlongs with the French Oaks the logical race, she's also in the Pretty Polly (Curragh, June 28).

"Whether she'd get further than that, I don't know, but it is very important we get it right from now on.

"We almost brought her back to seven furlongs after the Guineas and that would have been the wrong thing to do.

"She's back in the yard and is bucking and kicking as if she didn't have a race. That is the best thing about her - she just eats, sleeps and runs.

"I think she appreciated the track and the ground and I think she'll keep on improving.

"I must say what a good ride I thought Fergus (Sweeney) gave her, he gets on so well with her.

"How good could she be?"