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IRE- Curragh 6/28
Jun 28, 2020 8:09:35 GMT -5
Post by tenfurlongs on Jun 28, 2020 8:09:35 GMT -5
Curragh 10:10- 1m2f N2L (3yo)
#6- Rebel Tale (7-1) is the veteran of this field with seven starts, ran a good second to Armory in a GII here last August. Comeback race in the 2000 Guineas was bold and perhaps ill-advised, now he stretches out with a pedigree that strains at the thought of 10F. Still, he's walked the walk, and yielding ground will suit. #8- Katiba (5-1) ran well as a 2yo over deep going. Return race was a reasonable effort in the 1000 Guineas over ground she may not have cared for. Weld's charges always seem to improve with a race under their belt. #3- Maker of Kings (6-1) hasn't missed the frame in five tries, with a win on reappearance at Gowran Park going 7F. Pedigree is more that sufficient to support 1 1/4mi, Lyons/Keane are in top form right now. The O'Briens have three Galileos enetered. #5- Napa Valley (8-5) is most fancied off a big win on debut at Leopardstown a fortnight ago. Top Irish yard jock Heffernan chose this one, so I won't argue. Will be overbet, but that doesn't mean the money is wrong.
EX- 6,8/3,5,6,8 Results: 5,2,8 Heffernan was not wrong. Napa Valley has a bright future. Katiba put in a mild run.
Curragh 10:45- 5f Rockingham Handicap (Premier Handicap) (3yo+)
The scratch of top 3yo sprinter Alligator Alley certainly changes the complexion of the race. #8- Maid of Spirit (4-1) is a consistent sort, made a winning debut for new trainer over this course two weeks ago. Needs to step up again but 5yo mare is still lightly raced and has room for growth. #10- Strong Johnson (7-1) rose quickly through the sprinting ranks as a 3yo, and stiffened his credentials for this much tougher spot with a big win over C&D two weeks ago. We'll see if he can take the whole thing. #1- Urban Beat (7-2) is a bit of a HFTC, with two wins in seven tries. He's somewhat of a nibbler, getting small pieces against high quality fields. Yielding ground would help his chances. #6- Jungle Jane (20-1) will be nowhere near the untenable m/l odds. Very progressive since jump-starting her career last August at Tipperary. Her 4yo debut was a revelation, and a repeat of that victory would put her in the mix. Could well improve yet again over soft ground.
EX- 8,10/1,6,8,10 Result: 10,6,1 Exacta $28.60 Strong Johnson always found a bit more and kept the rest safe. Jungle Jane gave a courageous effort and is one to follow going forward.
Curragh 11:15- 6f Greenlands Stakes (Group 2) (4yo+)
Best race on the card IMO. #5- Make A Challenge (9-5) is a legit HFTC (4/3-1-0) and sports an admirable turf record of 13/7-2-0. Progressive 4yo season culminated with a close fifth in GI British Champions Sprint S. at Ascot. Return race at Naas was more of the same. Big player! Not to be outdone, #7- Speak in Colours (5-2) has a (5/3-2-0) record over the Curragh. Already shows two starts in her 2020 campaign, including a close fifth in the GI Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot a week ago. Likes the distance and the forecast ground, arguably the class of the field. #2- Buffer Zone (6-1) is yet another HFTC, and has a win over Make A Challenge here last fall. Comebacker going a tad shorter against Sceptical sets him up perfectly for this spot. #8- Forever in Dreams (6-1) is a lightly-raced 4yo filly who has run very well in defeat against GI foes three times. This is another contentious group but you ought to get a bit of a price on her. #9- Queen Jo Jo (7-1) is as consistent as they come, was right behind the rapid Liberty Beach on return at Haydock Park. Should be running on late.
EX- 5,7/2,8,9 Result: 7,8,2 Exacta $45.60 Make A Challenge was never a factor at any point. Speak in Colours showed her mettle in a gutsy victory. Forever in Dreams came on again to pip Buffer Zone for second.
more to follow...
TW