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Curragh Derby Weekend Day 1
Race 1 3yo plus Maiden 1 mile
Not the classiest renewals of this race in recent years but local trainer Eddie Harty saddles the lightly raced JP McManus owned PRINCETON PLAINS who has had two runs and been placed 3rd in both. His only run this season came in April on unsuitably soft ground behind the Ballydoyle pair Rocket Man and Captainofthefleet. This son of Tagula will appreciate the better ground and will be fully tuned for this assignment. IS FEIDIR LINN has being disappointing in the main and has had his opportunities to break his maiden duck but has yet to do so. He was a beaten odds on favourite last time out but he has being off the track a while since suggesting an excuse was to blame for the defeat. If back to his best of last year he would be hard to beat but he is running out of chances. PALM RIDGE and ROMIES KASTNETT represent powerful connections (owner and trainer wise) and should be duly respected.
Race 2 60-100 3yo only Handicap 1 mile 2 furlongs
GHETTO GOSPEL was bidding for 5 in a row last week when some may say a disappointing 4th but he was knocked over twice and in my opinion did well to finish as close as he did in the circumstances. He is clearly a horse improving and deserves one more try before thinking the handicapper has him. MIANACH is a typical Jim Bolger improving colt. She has gone from 64 to 86 but still looks like she may have more to offer judging from his recent Navan win. ENJOY YOUR LIFE and GOLDAROVER are two that will not be far away at decent prices.
Race 3 Apprentice Derby 1 mile 4 furlongs
If Enjoy Your Life runs well in the preceding race that gives a boost to the hat trick seeking EMRANI who carries the colours of multiple Derby winning owner, HH Aga Khan. John Oxx trains this gelding and he has been impressive enough in his two wins to suggest he is up to this. POYZC has to be feared even though the jockey would not be as experienced as a few of his counter parts.
Race 4 Listed 2yr only 6 furlongs
This looks a two horse race as long as the travelling and the exertions have not taken their toll on the Royal Ascot also rans, MOONLIT GARDEN and PURPLE GLOW. The first named trailed a lone furrow up the stands rail and ran a pretty good race considering she was on her own the whole way in the Queen Mary. She was very impressive when winning her maiden here guineas weekend. Purple Glow ran a good race in that race last week and has solid form.
Race 5 55-85 Handicap 3yo plus 5 furlongs
PENCIL HILL is a speculative each way selection in the sense he'd be a cert thrown in on his old form but if he improves for his seasonal debut at all he should be in the money for a stable that needs to be feared on this weekend.
Race 6 60-90 4yo plus 1 mile 2 furlongs
LADY SONGBIRD is bidding for some compensation after a narrow beating in Ballinrobe earlier this wk. Charlie Swans horses are holding their form and her run the other day wouldn’t have taken too much out of her. Dessie McDonogh has his small string in cracking form and last years Galway Festival winner, ARTICILITUS, showed a return to winnable form in Fairyhouse three weeks ago. The long straight and good ground all help her and she’ll be an each way price.
Race 7 Maiden 3yo plus 1 mile 2 furlongs
SCOTTISH REEL (Nap)
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