Rhododendron nears return to action but will miss Yorkshire Oaks

Group 1-winning fillies Rhododendron and Alice Springs are progressing towards a return to action following setbacks, but York will come too soon for dual Classic runner-up Rhododendron, Aidan O'Brien stressed on Wednesday.

Rhododendron is second favourite at 6-1 for the Darley Yorkshire Oaks next Thursday but will not be heading for the Knavesmire.

Rhododendron, who achieved Group 1 success in the Fillies' Mile last season before finishing second in both the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks, has been out of action since bleeding badly and being pulled up in the Prix de Diane at Chantilly in June.

O'Brien reported: "Both fillies are coming along nicely. We're hoping Rhododendron might be ready to start back next month, possibly in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown.

"Alice Springs is probably a bit behind Rhododendron in terms of returning to action, but she's doing well and we're looking forward to having both of them back before too long."

Should Rhododendron contest the Matron she would be in line to clash with stablemates Winter – who beat her in the Guineas at Newmarket – and Roly Poly.

Alice Springs was a three-time Group 1 winner last year, when she landed the Falmouth Stakes, Matron and Sun Chariot, but has not raced since finishing second in the Gladness Stakes at Naas in April.