16.15: Timourid
Upped in trip, Timourid showed improved form after 11 weeks off to finish third in a strong maiden over this course and distance 15 days ago, those that filled the frame all posting fairly useful efforts (the winner due to run in the Irish Derby later on the card) and followed home by a whole host of runners likely to prove capable of much better in due course. Dermot Weld’s charge is taken to improve on that effort and got off the mark at the fourth time of asking.
16.45: Sir Dragonet
Sir Dragonet wiped the floor with his rivals in the Chester Vase before finishing a cracking fifth in the Derby last term, but he has failed to build on the promise of either of those efforts subsequently. He finished runner-up in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot last week, doing all he could from his position, held up before closing steadily down the outside, the winner having the luxury of picking his path up the inner and out of reach before Aidan O’Brien’s charge hit his top stride. He will likely benefit from further in future, but he still makes plenty of appeal on these terms.
17.15: Nullifier
Nullifier made good progress in the space of a month last term, improving with each of his three runs, culminating with a cosy success in a Navan maiden in October. He looks the type to progress nicely in handicaps, and with Ger Lyons’s horses in top form at the minute, he looks worth siding with on his first foray into this code.
17.45: Bowerman
Bowerman proved better than ever in the Irish Linconshire over this course and distance two weeks ago, landing the biggest pot of his career in most decisive fashion and taking his tally for the year to three wins from four outings. The manner in which he put the race to bed on that occasion suggests he ought to prove competitive at a higher level, so he looks well worth his place in this listed contest.
18.15: Ice Cold In Alex
Ice Cold In Alex certainly deserves plenty of credit for his consistency and by rights will pick up a race or two this season. He put up a respectable fourth on his reappearance at this venue 15 days ago, holding every chance approaching the final furlong but not quite having enough speed to quicken over the six-furlong trip. This step back up in trip should suit him better, and with Ken Condon’s stable currently in good form, he merits plenty of consideration.
18.45: Frenetic
Frenetic justified market confidence in the manner of a potentially useful recruit when successful on her debut at Navan 17 days ago, making all the running and pulling clear from two furlongs out before being eased down in the final 50 yards. She won with a bit in hand and looks up to making her mark at the highest level, so appeals as a big player in a race full of interesting prospects.
DON’T MISS:
- Mick Fitzgerald goes through the Curragh card
- Brendan Duke’s Curragh verdict for Saturday’s racing
- Our Runner-by-Runner guide to the 2020 Irish Derby
19.15: Santiago
Santiago improved a chunk to win the Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot eight days ago, relishing the longer trip and proving himself a smart three-year-old, one who probably hasn’t shown his all just yet. He sets the standard with that piece of form, and with his stamina guaranteed, he ought to take plenty of beating as Aiden O’Brien bids to win this race for the sixth time in the last ten years. Crossfirehurricane maintained his unbeaten record with victory in the Gallinule Stakes at this course two weeks ago and should not be taken lightly, however.
19.45: Master Of Reality
Master Of Reality finished second past the post in the Melbourne Cup on his final appearance in November, but was ultimately demoted to fourth for causing interference to Il Paradiso in the closing stages. He is a consistent performer at the top level, also hitting the frame in the Ascot Gold Cup and the Irish St Leger last term, and he is likely to put up a bold bid on his reappearance.
Tips for the Curragh on Saturday
16.15 Timourid
16.45 Sir Dragonet
17.15 Nullifier
17.45 Bowerman
18.15 Ice Cold In Alex
19.15 Santiago
19.45 Master Of Reality
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