15:40 Pretty Gorgeous (NAP)
Pretty Gorgeous was beaten by the reopposing Shale in a Group 3 at Leopardstown in August, but she firmly reversed that form in the Debutante Stakes last time, confirming herself a smart filly.
She was suited by the extra emphasis on stamina that race brought, always travelling well before being produced to lead in the final furlong, readily on top of her rivals at the line.
That is the best form on offer, and there should be even more to come from this likeable filly, for a yard that will be on cloud nine after winning the St Leger at Doncaster on Saturday.
16:10 Lucky Vega (NB)
This looks a competitive renewal of the National Stakes, and the Aidan O’Brien-trained Battleground is sure to be popular, but preference is for Lucky Vega, who showed much improved form when winning the Phoenix Stakes over six furlongs at this course last time.
He proved much too good for the reopposing Law of Indices on that occasion, impressing with the way he went through the race and quickly settling things once hitting the front. The extra furlong here should be within reach and he looks a big player.
17:50 Sonnyboyliston (e/w)
Jonny Murtagh continues to fire in the winners, notably winning the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday, and his Sonnyboyliston is taken to defy a hefty 13 lb rise for his victory over this course and distance back in July.
He’s open to further improvement and first-time cheekpieces go on to eke out that bit extra, so he has to have strong claims of hitting the frame in this big field.
Timeform’s best bets at the Curragh on Sunday
15:40 Pretty Gorgeous (NAP)
16:10 Lucky Vega (NB)
17:50 Sonnyboyliston (e/w)
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