Horse Racing Tips: Ruby Walsh’s best antepost Curragh bets this weekend

It's an Irish Classic weekend and Ruby has had his say on how the action is shaping up for the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas and other graded races.

Ruby Walsh Curragh

*Odds quoted on the widget are Future Racing/Antepost prices which means that if your selection does not run in the race for whatever reason – you will lose your stake under traditional Antepost rules.

Saturday:

14:15 – Andreas Vesalius

I know the ground will be a big talking point heading into this one but Andreas Vesalius was very impressive at Naas last weekend. When I saw him on his previous start at Naas on May 8th, he looked like a horse who wanted to go a bit further. Last Sunday’s race wasn’t the best in the world but he handles soft ground and he could improve again going the extra distance.

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14:45 – Glen Shiel

Glen Shiel was left in at the five-day declarations so he might run. Why would you leave an English horse in on a Tuesday morning if you have no intention of bringing him over? He’s the Group 1 winner in the field and he won at Ascot last year when Hollie Doyle rode him.

That was on soft ground and he sets the standard if he comes to Curragh, even though he’s seven years old. Can anyone else get up to the standard he sets? I’m not so sure.

He’s a genuine Group 1 six furlong sprinter but I’m not sure the rest of them are.

15:20 – Battleground

I do like the look of Van Gogh. When you think you can get La Barrosa at a decent price and he finished behind him in France, having a go on Van Gogh makes sense. Aiden O’Brien’s runners have ran well recently too.

Thunder Moon was disappointing in Newmarket and they might go back in trip with him. He’s a very fast horse that may want to come back in trip.

I was a huge Battleground fan and I like that he’s got form when there’s a cut in the ground. I’d still be willing to chance him, considering he was able to do it as a three year old. He won at Ascot on his second start and if the ground is on his side, he’s worth backing.

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14:55 – Thundering Nights

Champers Elysees improved dramatically last season but hasn’t quite hit those heights this season. She won at Leopardstown before heading to Newmarket where she finished fourth and was a little disappointing. She finished fourth at Curragh earlier this month, but I’m not sure that’s as good as she could have ran last year. She is the highest rated in the field at 114 so she deserves huge respect.

When you get into slow ground, stamina plays a key part and Thundering Nights has a lot of good form at nine and even 10 furlongs. She’s got a big chance. I’d be willing to chance that Thundering Nights can just outdo Champers Elysees in this one.

Sunday:

14:40 – Love

Willie Mullins’ True Self is in great form and she did herself proud in Riyadh. Her form last summer was way below this standard. I’m not sure she’s up to a Tattersalls Gold Cup over 1m 2f, but it’s a starting point for her and it’ll be interesting to see how she gets on. Tiger Moth went to Australia for the Lexus Cup at Melbourne and it might take a bit of time for them to get over their overseas exertions. Both of them may not turn up this weekend but they’ll have their say at some point this season I’m sure.

This looks the logical place for Love to start her season Stablemate Magical started here last season, although a bit later in July, but Love should follow in Magical’s footsteps. She was incredible last season and I won’t be opposing her at any price.

15:15 – Pretty Gorgeous

If the weather forecast is correct and it’s soft ground, Pretty Gorgeous will win. She loves soft ground. Herself and Shale went against each other four times last season, twice on good ground and twice on soft and Pretty Gorgeous came out on top both times when the ground suited her.

Ruby Walsh’s best antepost bets at the Curragh:

Saturday:
14:15 – Andreas Vesalius
14:45 – Glen Shiel
15:20 – Battleground
14:55 – Thundering Nights

Sunday:
14:40 – Love
15:15 – Pretty Gorgeous

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