Curragh Racecourse: Preview and tips for Sunday’s eight-race meeting
There is racing the Curragh Racecourse on Saturday Photo: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
The Flat season might be nearing its conclusion now, but there’s still some good quality action at the Curragh on Sunday, with eight races on the card, including two Listed races.
Read on for a preview of and tips for the Curragh card, brought to you by BetVictor Online Casino.
We begin with a seven-furlong two-year-old fillies’ maiden (13.20). There are a few newcomers here, which may shake things up a bit, but the best on existing form is Pirate Anne Bonny, who was second on debut in a 21-runner fillies maiden at Naas and makes plenty of appeal again, with an entry to the Irish 1,000 Guineas. Sweetly is Aidan O’Brien’s first string and is a full sister to Bevenuto Cellini, so her breeding speaks for itself and she is entered in the Irish Oaks next year.
Next is a two-year-old colts and geldings’ maiden run over seven furlongs (13.55). There are a couple of newcomers here but one with experience looks most likely. Wo Wo Never has been good so far and can take another step forward, while The Windhover’s debut was good at this track. Hmas Perth was only beaten a head last time and is promising again, but this trip is sharper.
Race three is the Listed Concorde Stakes, run over seven furlongs (14.30). King Cuan is the top-rated and was last seen finishing fourth in a Listed race in April. Big Gossey makes a serious amount of appeal here, though, after being only narrowly beaten at this track last time on heavy ground and this might suit even more.
The fourth race is a nine-furlong handicap (15.05). Cristal Clere is on an attractive mark now and has a seven-pound claimer in the saddle, while Galileo Noir could have enough in his favour now to get a result. Lady Lilac might be able to improve for having slipped in the weights a little, while Majestic King’s new mark looks harsh after a win last time.
Another Listed race, the six-furlong Pastures Stakes, follows (15.40). Greydreambeliever took a big step forward last time at Gowran Park, winning by seven lengths and will be interesting to watch back up in class. Institute could go nicely after a win last time, but this company is much more difficult. Pivotal is able but significantly down in trip. Royal Bay Cen is one to seriously consider, though, given her record on soft ground.
Race six is a six-furlong handicap (16.15). Apache Outlaw might enjoy the step down in trip and is on a nice-looking mark for the occasion, while Contrary To Law has similar credentials but the trip is more of a question mark for him. Cool Azul is consistent and can perform at this mark, and the fact that Billy Lee takes the ride is a positive.
The penultimate race is a mile and a half handicap hurdle (16.50). Alfalfa is a course and distance winner who could do well on a new low mark, while High Honour might be able to go well with a seven-pound claiming rider in the saddle. He’s been out of form most recently, but has had a break and this could be more likely.
Finally, we have a mile apprentice handicap (17.25). Blue Blue Moon wasn’t beaten too far last time out, despite a poor form figure, and could be better today. Cherry Hill Girl looks more likely, however, and has a seven-pound claimer taking the ride. Flanker Het is hard to argue with, especially with the ground a little softer now.
13.20 - Pirate Anne Bonny
13.55 - The Windhover
14.30 - Big Gossey
15.05 - Cristal Clere
15.40 - Royal Bay Cen
16.15 - Cool Azul
16.50 - High Honour
17.25 - Flanker Jet
