Curragh Racecourse: Preview and tips for Saturday’s eight-race meeting

The Curragh plays host to two super cards this weekend, with the first day of sport offering eight races, including the Group Two Beresford Stakes alongside the highly valuable Goffs Million.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Curragh card, brought to you by BOYLE Sports, who provide all the horse racing betting.

We begin with a six-furlong two-year-olds’ maiden (13.30). There is a significant number of newcomers here and the market is best referred to here as an indication of their ability, while Benown is the best of those with form, having run just once before at this track, finishing second of 11 to Coolmore’s Shakespeare. He steps down in trip here, though, which might leave room for Controlla to improve for at least a place.

Race two is a rated race for three-year-olds run over seven furlongs (14.00). Killashee Warrior was better last time and might have a chase now, but also could be better suited to a mile. Lewis Carroll won last time out in March over course and distance on soft ground and should go well again after a lengthy break.

Next is a five-furlong handicap (14.35). Cardiff By The Sea has been running in Listed races and steps into handicap company for the first time here, and this could be within reach. Bounty returns for the first time since last year having been gelded, but the trainer’s horses haven’t been running brilliantly lately.

Our feature race, the Group Two Beresford Stakes, follows, run over a mile by two-year-olds (15.10). Noble Exhibit was a seven-length winner at Punchestown last time and looks highly fancied here, while Colin Keane is an interesting booking for Ballydoyle’s Shakespeare, who wears first-time cheekpieces here. Tommy Quick could be undervalued, though, after a good debut despite greenness. He could have a big each-way chance.

Race five is a seven-furlong handicap (15.45). Unique Journey is arguably best over this distance and should be competitive on today’s mark, having not been beaten too far at this track last time over a sharper six furlongs. Headmaster looks a danger, though, with a seven-pound claimer in the saddle.

The Goffs Million follows, worth €1,000,000 in total and run over seven furlongs (16.20). Carry The Flag is the top-rated by some way and steps up in trip here, which may be the difference. Trean can handle this ground and has a decent chance, while Bayside View looks potentially underrated, based on her best performances.

Second to last is a 10-furlong maiden (16.55). Few of those with existing form have offered enough to suggest maiden-winning ability, hence one of the newcomers may be the best option. The market will be the best indicator here, but Copper Dog makes the most appeal at first glance.

Finally we have a nine-furlong fillies’ maiden (17.25). Camelot Queen has been knocking on the door and ought to get involved, while Emberelle may get there and Lookingforarainbow should benefit from a step up in trip.

Curragh selections - Saturday:

13.30 - Controlla 

14.00 - Lewis Carroll 

14.35 - Cardiff By The Sea 

15.10 - Tommy Quick e/w 

15.45 - Headmaster 

16.20 - Carry The Flag, Bayside view e/w 

16.55 - Copper Dog 

17.25 - Lookingforarainbow