The Curragh: Preview and Tips for Day One of Irish Derby Festival

The eagerly anticipated Irish Derby Festival is finally here, and there are eight races to look forward to on Friday evening, including the Apprentice Derby and the Corinthian Challenge Charity Race.

Read on for a preview of and tips for the Curragh’s card, from BetVictor Online Casino.

We begin with a six-furlong two-year-olds’ maiden (16.33). There are plenty of newcomers in the field of 12, the most interesting of which might be Ballydoyle’s Abraham Lincoln, an expensive son of Wootton Bassett from a high-class family who has some Group level entries coming up. Anchor Road can’t be overlooked, a three-parts brother to the smart Beauty Cresent. Ger Lyons’ yard have yet to get many two-year-olds out, though. Trean is the best of those with form, and should get a look in.

Race two is a mile maiden (17.05). We have a number of newcomers here again, but Andrew Slattery’s Loughrea is the one to beat on form, having improved from his debut to be a close second at Gowran Park last time over this trip. Given five pounds by his rider this time and drawn in stall one, he should have it all to play for. Valentino Eclipse throws a question mark, though.

Another mile handicap follows (17.35). First-time blinkers might help course and distance winner Blues Emperor recapture his better form, while Brewing could now be down to a winnable mark. Dylan Browne McMonagle is a good jockey booking too. Chester Nimitz is given five pounds by Nicola Burns and is within one pound of his latest winning mark now, which is a positive.

Race four is a seven-furlong handicap (18.10). Alfred Tennyson was beaten just a neck last time but is two pounds higher in the handicap today, while Apache Outlaw ran well for fourth of 15 at Leopardstown last time. Exquisite Acclaim was below form last time but not beaten far, so his new mark of 83 is tempting too.

The Apprentice Derby is next, run over the mile and a half (18.45). Darius Dark is seeking a hat-trick here and looks of interest in first-time blinkers, while Derry Lad looks nicely competitive after a good run for fifth of 15 last time. Eastern Peace should appreciate the step up in trip here and is on an attractive mark too.

The fifth race is a 10-furlong maiden (19.20). Youcansaythatagain, Tokyo Tower, Scat Rhythm and Collared are the newcomers, with the latter looking the most interesting on pedigree, being by Lope De Vega. Numantia will be hard to pass, though, having been a close fourth of 15 on debut at this track, while Saxony Charms also has to be taken very seriously after a similar debut.

Second to last is a two-mile handicap (19.55). Ballyadam was a winner last time out, while Kilmeaden ran well for third of 24 in a large handicap at this track back in May. The Shunter could go well but might want softer ground for JP McManus.

The mile and a half charity race concludes the card (20.30). Catalani was a hunter chase winner last time and will likely find this trip too sharp, while Limbocall is more of a Flat horse and might do better. Nancee Spain could be the best of the bunch, though would probably appreciate some rain, whereas Spinola Bay won’t mind the firmer surface.

Curragh selections - Friday:

16.33 - Abraham Lincoln 

17.05 - Loughrea 

17.35 - Brewing 

18.10 - Apache Outlaw 

18.45 - Eastern Peace 

19.20 - Saxony Charms 

19.55 - Kilmeaden 

20.30 - Spinola Bay