14:00 Snowfall @ 11/10
The step up in trip should bring out the best in SNOWFALL who sets a high enough standard for the others to aim for. Aliyza has a run under her belt, but there are plenty of interesting newcomers as well.
14:35 Hudson River
A total of four representatives of the Coolmore partnership, three trained by Aidan O’Brien and one trained by his son Donnacha. It will be interesting to see how the market separates them but on paper HUDSON RIVER is most interesting; by Galileo out of Mecca’s Angel and he appears to be the first-string.
Stablemate Iowa also owns a smart pedigree. The Harrington runner Ace Aussie and Ger Lyons’ Lust also need to be monitored for market strength.
15:10 Masteroffoxhounds
Napa Valley was good and professional on debut and appears the stable’s number one on jockey bookings but the ex-Ballydoyle-trained MASTEROFFOXHOUNDS will be suited by the trip and can take stopping.
15:45 Jungle Jane @ 9/2
A good renewal with Urban Beat deserving top weight and of interest if the rain arrives. Alligator Alley is another with form at a higher level while Maid Of Spirit is also respected.
JUNGLE JANE might be too quick for them all, though, judging by her impressive Tipperary win while Strong Johnson is unexposed and is in with a shout.
16:15 Make A Challenge
MAKE A CHALLENGE (NAP) confirmed himself one of the best sprinters in Ireland on his return at Naas and he will be difficult to beat again. Buffer Zone, Gustavus Weston and Forever In Dreams can fight amongst themselves to follow him home.
16:45 Magical
The Flat season should be all the better for MAGICAL staying in training and, even taking into account the possibility that she will be rusty for her return, she is impossible to oppose.
Cayenne Pepper might also need it and, in what is a quality contest, Roca Roma has race-fitness on her side at least.
17:15 Roibeard
The run that catches the eye is that of ROIBEARD at Gowran last time when he was seemingly unfancied at 28/1 and there is surely improvement to come representing a yard in-form. Spruce Meadows wasn’t far behind that day and is 2lb better off so he should go well also.
Contrapposto can be involved if avoiding traffic, while Golden Valour is another to consider, though his draw is a negative. Sheisdiesel and Hamley look to be on winnable marks also.
17:45 Jon Snow
A competitive affair. The Willie Mullins yard has six to choose from but the one to side with is probably JON SNOW, who got off the mark over hurdles last time and is still unexposed on the Flat. Top-class hurdler Sharjah has disappointed on his recent Flat runs.
Joseph O’Brien’s Grandmaster Flash is 9lb well-in on turf compared to his all-weather rating, so rates a danger. Presto ran a stormer here last time and with improvement from that can be involved. Lynwood Gold and Dalton Highway are others to consider.
* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.
Curragh tips summary:
14:00 Snowfall
14:35 Hudson River
15:10 Masteroffoxhounds
15:45 Jungle Jane
16:15 Make A Challenge
16:45 Magical
17:15 Roibeard
17:45 Jon Snow
RECOMMENDED READING:
- Horse Racing tips: Timeform’s 8 great punts at the Curragh on Sunday
- Mick Fitzgerald’s 5 selections for a super Sunday at the Curragh
- Horse Racing Tips: A tasty trio of best bets for the Curragh on Sunday