Curragh Preview

Hi all,

Over the next two days, I'll be revisiting the highlights of this esteemed event. I'll shine a spotlight on my top performances, along with highlighting an eyecatcher from each day. Plus, there’s a quick look at the start of the new Irish Flat season which gets underway at the Curragh this afternoon.

Cheltenham Festival 2024 Review – Part 1

The opening two days of this year's festival left much to be desired, marking perhaps the most lacklustre Cheltenham experience I've ever encountered. They were about as thrilling as watching paint dry, characterized by an abundance of short-priced winners, an overwhelming sense of predictability, slow pace in the Graded races, and disappointingly small fields.

Thankfully, there was a noticeable improvement as we moved into Thursday and Friday, with Thursday in particular offering a much-needed injection of excitement and embodying the essence of what we expect from the festival.

Tuesday

On the betting front, Tuesday proved to be a day of mixed fortunes depending on your affinity for backing favourites. Personally, I found myself firmly in the camp of avoiding the short odds. However, it's not entirely unexpected given the first day tends to lend itself to short priced horses.

Slade Steel Dominates Supreme Novices' Hurdle

The heavy ground undoubtedly played to Slade Steel's strengths, propelling him to a resounding victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. I think the best two-mile novice hurdler finished runner-up. Mystical Power came to the last looking like he would win but faltered on the run in and was outstayed by the winner.

Gaelic Warrior's Redemption in Arkle Novices' Chase Signals Bright Future

Irish dominance prevailed in the Arkle Novices' Chase. Gaelic Warrior was a reformed character in victory and put in a polished display of jumping with no hints of going right-handed which had bedeviled him in the past. He’ll have plenty of options in open company next season given he stays well beyond two miles.

State Man Claims Champion Hurdle Glory in Absence of Constitution Hill; Lossiemouth's Outclasses Mares’ Hurdle Rivals

In the absence of Constitution Hill, State Man seized a well-deserved Champion Hurdle triumph. While not flashy in victory, his consistent performances often go unnoticed, depriving him of the recognition he probably deserves.

Lossiemouth's undeniable class carried her to an impressive victory, over a trip that just stretches her stamina, in the Mares' Hurdle. Lossiemouth was running in the wrong race though. I’m convinced her speed, and the mares allowance would have enabled her to win the Champion Hurdle. Lantry Lady displayed promise on only her third career start, lacking the experience of her rivals but showing potential for future success when her stamina is drawn out further.

Finally, Corbett's Cross showcased impeccable jumping en route to a comfortable victory in the National Hunt Chase. His win stamped him down as a Grade 1 novice chaser and hopefully he can land one before the season is out.

Tuesday Eyecatcher:

I had Meetingofthewaters earmarked as a prime candidate for the Irish Grand National, and his third-place finish behind Chianti Classico in the Ultima Handicap. If anything, his strong finish over the 3 miles and 1 furlong distance indicates that he’ll thrive on a more stamina-sapping challenge, which he'd likely encounter at Fairyhouse. The only minor drawback is the proximity of the Irish Grand National, just two weeks away, which will likely see him switch to the big one at Aintree. I’ve had my first Grand National ante post bet on him at 20/1 and I see you can still get 16/1 with Coral. The horse who finished runner-up to him at Leopardstown over Christmas Panda Boy is another I’ve got on my radar for the Aintree race.

Wednesday

Wednesday's attendance dwindled to 46,000, marking the lowest turnout ever for a festival day. To put these numbers into perspective, last year's crowd numbered 50,387, while in 2019, it was 59,209. This translates to an 8.71% decrease from last year and a significant 22.29% drop in attendance from 2019 to 2024.

Ballyburn & Fact To File Both Deliver

Ballyburn delivered in the Gallaghers Novice Hurdle, putting on a visually stunning performance that highlighted him a high-class prospect. However, despite his impressive display, it’s worth noting that he probably didn’t beat much. While talk of him aiming for the Champion Hurdle seems ambitious, especially considering Willie Mullins' formidable lineup in that division, it's clear that Ballyburn's true forte lies in tackling three miles and fences, where he's likely to truly make his mark.

Fact To File lived up to all the pre-race hype, showing his class with an impressive victory in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase. While his jumping was sticky in the early stages, he grew into the race and ultimately proved too classy for his five rivals. Fact To File undoubtedly has a future as a high-class chaser and the Gold Cup will no doubt be next season’s target.

Monty's Star, the runner-up, lacked the speed of the winner over three miles, but it was still a commendable performance from the 7-year-old, especially considering he was only on his third start over fences. If there's any room for improvement, it might be in utilizing his jumping and stamina more effectively, perhaps something Rachel Blackmore could explore. Nonetheless, he’s got a future as a staying chaser and the extra distance of the Gold Cup will suit him. The 33/1 about him for next year’s Gold Cup appeals far more than the 4/1 about Fact To File despite the latter’s undoubted potential.

Luck Favours Captain Guinness in Disappointing Champion Chase

With Jonbon a non-runner and hot favorite El Fabiolo making a bad mistake, forcing him out of the Champion Chase, it was a stroke of luck for Captain Guinness to secure his first Grade 1 victory after 14 attempts. I share the sentiment that this triumph might not be indicative of future Grade 1 successes for Captain Guinness. Unfortunately, the Champion Chase once again failed to live up to expectations, a disappointment that has become all too familiar.

Wednesday Eyecatcher:

Libberty Hunter was unlucky to come up against a well handicapped winner in Unexpected Party in the Grand Annual. Nonetheless, he's shown himself to be a progressive two-mile chaser. Looking ahead, the Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree could offer the perfect opportunity for him to gain compensation. It's worth noting that his trainer, Evan Williams, tasted success in this very race back in 2022 with The Last Day, so there's every reason to believe Libberty Hunter could follow in those hoofprints.

Monday Preview

Barely three days after the conclusion of the Cheltenham Festival, the new Irish Flat season commences today at the Curragh. Following closely on its heels is the British Flat season, set to begin at Doncaster this Saturday. An early Easter is the reason why the Doncaster is a week early than last year.

With it being a Bank Holiday in Ireland, launching the new season today instead of on a weekend seems like a good move. Mondays with quality racing to comment on are as rare as hen's teeth at this time of year, so I'll certainly make the most of this opportunity.

Curragh

The Irish Flat season commences today at the Curragh, the anticipation is high despite the testing conditions, with 135 runners being declared for the eight races.

Among today’s highlights is the days big betting race Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire (4:10).

The opening race of the is the first race for the 2-year-olds. Last year’s winner, Bucanero Fuerte went on to Group 1 success last season so it’s a race worth watching,

While some punters traditionally wait until mid-April or the Guineas Meeting to engage with the Flat season, the excitement of the first flat race day is irresistible for many enthusiasts, including myself.

Fitness will be paramount in the heavy-going conditions at the Curragh this Monday afternoon. In the early stages of the season, I typically favour horses with a history of performing well in March/April, particularly those accustomed to heavy ground. While I aim to adhere to these parameters in my selections, flexibility remains key in the ever-changing landscape of horse racing.

Key Races to Watch:

2:05 – Keep an eye on Two Stars, Mickey The Steel, Real Force, and Stag Night in a competitive five furlong handicap.

3:40 – Goldona and You Send Me are poised for success in the Group 3 Park Express Stakes, both have displayed form on heavy ground and gone fresh. The latter also looks capable of better as a 4-year-old.

4:10 – With a competitive field of 20 runners, Raadobarg, Chazzesmee, Joe Masseria, Snapraeterea, Casanova and Simply Sideways are among the contenders vying for success in an open looking Nua Healthcare Irish Lincolnshire.

4:40 – Superior Force and Rampage stand out as strong contenders in what looks an Irish Lincolnshire consolation race.

As the action unfolds at the Curragh, the start of the Irish Flat season promises thrills and excitement, setting the stage for a captivating season ahead.

Monday Selection:

I will be having a few bets in the handicaps on the Curragh card but today's selection runs in the Group 3 Park Express Stakes.

Curragh

3:40 – You Send Me.