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We’ve got a little bank holiday treat as The Curragh stages a cracking card. Down Royal is also on. It’s mundane enough fare, but I have managed to dig out a bet. Most of my energies will be focused on the headquarters of Irish flat racing though.
Last year’s Melbourne Cup here Twilight Payment makes his seasonal bow in the Mooresbridge Stakes at 14:35. Running over this trip suggests connections are just getting the horse tuned up. Broome should win comfortably and he will be priced accordingly.
The Listed two-year-old race at 14:00 should be very informative, but I’ll probably just watch the race. Cadamosto looked good when making a winning debut in Dundalk. He will have his work cut out to concede 5lbs to a couple of promising fillies in Elliptic and Cheerupsleepyjean. The latter is of particular interest and she won despite pulling like a mustang on debut. Jamie Spencer takes the ride, so I’d imagine that’s with a view to a tilt at Royal Ascot.
Champers Elysees was one of the stories of the 2020 flat season and she returns in the Athasi Stakes at 15:10. She must concede over a stone to the highly promising Queen’s Speech. Champers Elysees was probably unlucky not to go through last season unbeaten. Despite the penalty, I’d expect her to regain the winning thread.
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15:45 Curragh – Malaysian
My first bet comes in this fillies handicap and MALAYSIAN could have got in lightly here. The form of her maiden win last time out in Cork looks strong. Granted, Flying Visit probably underperformed that day, but plenty of winners have come from the race.
Malaysian only just held on in the end, but put up a dominant performance for most of the race and She had almost all of the opposition in trouble turning for home. Based on that performance, I like the drop in trip on Monday and her opening handicap mark looks appealing on the bare form. When you factor in the potential for improvement, on just her third career start, she looks worthy of a wager.
16:00 Down Royal – Massey’s Wood
A quick diversion to Down Royal for this handicap chase and MASSEY’S WOOD has had problems, as well as something of a patchy profile. I just feel like he might have optimum conditions here and we know he goes well fresh based on his win at this track on penultimate start.
That was over 3m, but he tanked through the race and he also jumped very nimbly that day. The second is a reliable yardstick. An 11lbs rise didn’t stop punters making him favourite next time out in Navan, but he disappointed that day.
He still looks well handicapped to my eye though, while Goulane Chosen will ensure a strong pace. That should play to Massey’s strengths. He could well be overlooked in the market and looks worth a win only tickle.
16:20 Curragh – Storm Legend
Back to the Curragh for a fascinating renewal of the Tetrarch Stakes. Ace Aussie, Notre Belle Bete and Merchants Quay all showed promise behind subsequent 2000 Guineas hero Poetic Flare last time out. Cases can be made for and against all three, so I’m going to take a chance on STORM LEGEND.
This horse is a ringer for his sire Night Of Thunder and He put up a huge performance when winning on debut in Naas at the backend of last season. He beat an 85-rated horse by 3 lengths under a hands and heel ride.
That was on heavy ground, but his sire tends to get ground versatile stock and Storm Legend was very strong at the line that day. He looks sure to relish the extra furlong here and is a highly promising horse.
17:25 Curragh – Inventor
A 30-runner cavalry charge closes the card in Co Kildare, and I’ll take INVENTOR to follow up his recent Tipperary win. This well-bred sort showed very little in three maiden runs last season, but he was picked up by current connections for small money over the winter.
He showed a bit on handicap debut in Gowran Park and he took a big step forward in Tipperary, travelling sweetly on the pace before finding enough to score in ready fashion. Given that was only his fifth career start, the handicapper looks to have taken a civilised line in only raising the horse by 5lbs.
He should be fine with the extra furlong. Given his pedigree, it doesn’t seem fanciful to think this horse could be competing at a higher level before long.
Brendan Duke’s tips summary:
15:45 Curragh – Malaysian
16:00 Down Royal – Massey’s Wood
16:20 Curragh – Storm Legend
17:25 Curragh – Inventor
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