TRAINER Mahmood Al Zarooni thinks Blue Bunting is in the ideal shape ahead of in Sunday’s Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh.

The three-year-old gave her Godolphin trainer a first British Classic success when landing the QIPCO 1.000 Guineas at Newmarket in May. But she could finish only fourth when sent off favourite for more Classic glory in the Investec Oaks at Epsom last month.

She will take on her conquerors at Epsom – winner Dancing Rain and runner-up Wonder of Wonders – at the Curragh. But connections are hopeful of better than her fourth position, which could easily have been third but for Frankie Dettori incurring a ban for losing third right on the line when dropping his hands.

Al Zarooni said: “We have given her time and her last piece of work on Sunday was very good.

“She is pleasing us and I think she will run a good race.

“She is facing some top-class fillies, but I think the distance will suit.”

Aidan O’Brien’s Wonder Of Wonders is the evens favourite for the Irish Oaks. But the Irish handler was out of luck in France last night in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris.

The Ballydoyle handler saddled three runners but had to settle for second with Seville as Maxime Guyon triumphed aboard the Andre-Fabre-trained Meandre.

Seamie Heffernan set out to make all aboard Seville with stablemate and Irish Derby winner Treasure Beach content to sit in behind him.

O’Brien’s duo were still ahead of the field three furlongs from home but as Treasure Beach faded, Seville tried to hang on but Meandre came with a telling late to land the Group One honours.

TODAY’S NAP: Night Lily (3.50pm Nottingham).