Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I look at the best of the action on the concluding day of Irish Champions Weekend.
Irish Champions Weekend switches from Leopardstown to the Curragh for today’s action. There are no less than four Group 1’s on an eight race card. Add in a couple of big field handicaps that bookend the card and you have the makings of cracking afternoon.
On such a busy weekend its easy to forget that Arc trials day at Longchamp this on afternoon. The headline race is the Group 1 Prix Vermeille which can be a useful guide to next month’s Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. As can the two main supporting races on the card the Prix Niel and Prix Foy.
Irish St Leger (4:35)
It’s the final Classic of the Irish flat season with the latest running of the Irish St Leger (4:35). Just five have been declared which is a disappointing turnout.
Mind you top stayer Kyprios is set to make a belated seasonal reappearance in the race. The 5-year-old was unbeaten on six starts last season. Four of those successes came in Group 1’s including the Ascot Gold Cup and the Irish St Leger. He’ll no doubt improve for his 344 day absence, but I think connections will be disappointed if he doesn’t make a winning return to action.
I’m still hoping Aidan O’Brien will consider him for next months Arc. His biggest rival this afternoon is likely to be Elder Eldarov, but he hasn’t really kicked on since winning last year’s St Leger.
Flying Five Stakes (2:55)
Highfield Princess will bid for back to back wins in the race. She faces Bradsell who beat her at Royal Ascot and finished ¾ length behind her in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York last time. There shouldn’t be much between the pair once more although this stiffer 5f should suit Bradsell.
Art Power is a perfect 4-4 at the Curragh. He’s tended to come up short in Group 1 company in the past but at this venue he always needs respecting.
The final two Group 1’s are for the juveniles and they look fascinating contests with next season in mind.
Moyglare Stud Stakes (3:25)
Some of the best juveniles we’ve seen this season are set to line-up for this 7f contest which has been won by the likes of Tahiyra, Love & Minding in recent seasons.
Ylang Ylang is probably the best 2-year-old filly we’ve seen this season and looks a worthy favourite. Mind you she faces a serious rival in Vespertilio. The latter was beaten by Ylang Ylang in a Group 3 at Leopardstown but has improved again to win a Group 2 over C&D 22 days ago.
Porta Fortuna improved to win the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and was a respectable runner-up when taking on the boys in the Phoenix Stakes (6f) here last month. Interesting on her first start at 7f.
Fallen Angel impressed when winning running out an easy winner of the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket 29 days ago. Like the three fillies above she’s open to
Red Viburnum is the most fascinating of the nine runners. The daughter of Frankel had clearly been showing plenty at home as she was set off 9/4 for her racecourse debut over C&D 29 days ago. She ran green when asked for her effort 1f out that day. However, once the penny dropped, she picked up well to finish a ½ length 3rd of 11. She could improve significantly today and is one to keep on side.
Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (4:00)
City Of Troy has looked the best juvenile we’ve seen this season and is worthy short priced favourite. He’s unbeaten on both career starts, and we could well be seeing a future Classic winner in action.
Favourite for next year’s 2,000 Guineas & Derby. He looks to have scared of his rivals as he faces just five rivals, and they include stablemate Henry Longfellow. The latter was a surprising declaration for the race.
Trainer Aidan O’Brien had suggested he and City Of Troy would be kept a part this season. He’s talented colt and second favourite for next year’s 2,000 Guineas. Like City Of Troy he’s unbeaten on both career starts.
Bucanero Fuerte is actually 1lb head of City Of Troy on Official Ratings. However, he’s had two more starts than the favourite. The son of Wootton Bassett improved to win the Group 2 Railway Stakes here (6f) and then the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes. There’s a good chance he can improve for the step up to 7f and if the ground does ease, he will give City Of Troy a race.
Sunday Selection:
Curragh
3:25 – Red Viburnum – 9/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
Good luck with your Sunday bets.
John